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THE 



FRIES REBELLION 



1798-99 



AN ARMED RESISTANCE TO THE HOUSE TAX LAW, PASSED BY CON- 
GRESS, JULY 9, 1798, IN BUCKS AND NORTHAMPTON 
COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA. 



W. W. H. DAVIS, A. M. 



AUTHOR OF "EL' GRINGO, OR NEW MEXICO AND HER PEOPLE;" "HISTORY OF THE 
IO4TH PENNSYLVANIA REGIMENT;" "LIFE OF GENERAL JOHN LACEY ;" "HIS- 
TORY OF THE HART FAMILY; "THE SPANISH CONQUEST OF NEW 
MEXICO ;" " THE HISTORY OF BUCKS COUNTY, PA.;" " LIFE OF 
JOHN DAVIS," AND " HISTORY OF THE DOY- 
LESTOWN GUARDS." 



<-^3^^«^5<^- 



DOYLESTOWN, PA. 
1899. 



28544 



Entered, According to Act of Congress, in the Year 1899, by 

William W. H. Davis, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



TWOeOf*IEd nL-J-ZiVE-O. 



'^ 



\o 



{ MA:1271899 ) 



x^f.,. . r. -A^'^y^ 



Doylestown Publishing Company, Printers, 
Doylestown, Penna. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Title Page i 

Contents 3 

Illustrations 5 

Dedication 7 

Preface 10 

Chapter I. Cause of Rebellion, John Fries i 

" II. Insurgents Prepare to Resist the Law 14 

" III. Fries Captures the Assessors 25 

" IV. Opposition to House Tax Law in North- 
ampton 38 

" V. The Marshal Makes Arrests in Northampton, 48 
" VI. Rescue of the Prisoners at Bethlehem ... 57 
" VII. The President Issues his Proclamation. ... 67 
** VIII, Troops Called Out to Suppress the Insurrec- 
tion 75 

•' IX. Rev. Charles Henry Helmuth Issues an Ad- 
dress 87 

" X. The Army Marches from Quakertown to Allen- 
town and Returns to Philadelphia via 

Reading 102 

" XI. Trial of John Fries 115 

'• XII. Pardon of Fries 129 

"XIII. Conclusion 137 

Appendix i 

Index 9 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGE 

1. Frontispiece. W. W. H. Davis 

2. Threatening Notice I2 

3. Sellers' Tavern 26 

Erected About 1780. 

4. Old Friends Meeting House, Quakertown 42 

Torn Down 1862. 

5. William Henry S^ 

6. Crown Inn, South Bethlehem 74 

7. Old Lancaster House, Quakertown 90 

Torn Down 1841. 

8. Bridge Over the Lehigh io6 

Built About 1795. Torn Down 181 7. 

9. Present Friends Meeting House, Quakertown 124 

10. Sun Inn, Bethlehem HO 

About 1791. 



Dedication. 

This Volume is Dedicated to the Students of History. 



PREFACE. 



In presenting this volume to the public, it seems meet and 
proper the circumstances, under which it was written and 
published, should be stated. 

I purchased the Doylestown (Pa.) Democrat 1858, and, be- 
ing interested in local history, began collecting the facts, 
relating to the armed resistance to the house-tax law of 1798, 
and writing it up for my paper. I had heard a good deal of 
it in my youth a-nd was curious to know more. It had its 
birth in Milford township, Bucks county, Pa. ; thence extend- 
ing into the adjoining townships of Northampton, and, in un- 
written history, was known as the " Milford Rebellion." There 
is no evidence that the people of Montgomery county had 
any part in it. 

I visited the locality where Fries and his "insurgents," as 
they vii^Q called, operated ; interviewed his son Daniel, his 
o'lly surviving child, then an old man of over 70, and others 
who lived in that section at the time of the trouble, hunted 
up all the known records and examined the newspaper files of 
the period. By the winter of 1859-63 I had collected con- 
siderable material and published portions of it in my news- 
paper. Since then additional matter has been added to the 
text, and many new facts, pertinent to the subject, are em- 
bodied in foot notes. 

Being satisfied the facts, relating to this interesting episode, 
would have been lost, had they not been collected when they 
were; and believing them of sufificient interest to be preserved 



PREFACE. XI 

in some more enduring way, then attaches to the columns of a 
weekly newspaper, I determined to publish them in book 
form. The manuscript was prepared for the press several 
years ago, but the publication was deferred, from time to 
time until the present, and it is now given to the public with 
some misgivings. The events narrated are not only interesting 
in themselves, but too suggestive of the friction between the 
people and their newly established government, to allow them 
to become lost to the student of history, I have several 
friends to thank, including Messrs. John W. Jordan,* Charles 
Broadhead, Bethlehem, and Ellwood Roberts, Norristown, in 
the matter of furnishing illustrations for the volume. 

W. W. H. DAVIS. 
Doylestown, Pa., March ^, i8gg. 



*PennsyIvania Historical Society. 



THREATENING LETTER. 

The following is a translation of the threatening letter fac- 
ing page 12, sent, by an insurgent, to Captain Jarrett, and is 
one of the earliest exhibitions of Kukluxism extant : 

A sure warning (certain report) to you John Sheret if you 
have already advised the people who are for liberty that they 
should not go armed to Bethlehem, you need not discourage 
others any more as vou are already a cursed stamblcr as are 
many others in this neighborhood. Your brother Henry also 
said that the people should not have done that to go against 
the government. He was scared when he came to Bethlehem 
and saw the people with weapons. (A line of the original 
here cannot be translated.) So Earl* is a devil as you and 
John Sheret. I say in case of an outbreak I will burn your 
house and barn and will shoot you and your brother dead 
wherever I shall detect you cursed stamblers. If it would not 
be for your brother Henry most surely Bethlehem would re- 
ceive its deserving reward. The cursed advice would be frus- 
trated. And you are never safe in your house. You and Earl* 
are cursed stumbles knaves one as the other else you would not 
dissuade the people who are for liberty. 

These are the weapons for your slaughter. 

*Eyerley. 



T'he f^ne^ Rebellion. 



CHAPTER I. 



Cause of the F^ebellion; John Pries, 

Between the close of the Revolution and the end of the 
Century, three events transpired in the United States that 
gave serious alarm to the friends of republican institutions. 

The first of these, known in history as " Shays' Rebellion," 
was an unlawful combination in Massachusetts, 1786, directed 
against the State Government. Its head and front was Daniel 
Shays,' who had been a Captain in the Continental army, and 
left behind him the reputation of a brave and faithful ofificer. 
The outbreak was soon quelled, but not before some of the 
misguided participants had paid the penalty with their lives. 
The second event, in the order of time, was the " Whiskc}' In- 
surrection,'"^ in the southwestern counties of Pennsylvania, 
1792. It reached such magnitude, by the fall of 1794, that 



' Daniel Shays, born 1747, at Hnijkinton, Mass., served as ensign at the battle of 
Bunker's Hill, and attained the rank (if Captain in the Continental Army. In 1786 he 
took part in the popular movement in Western Massachusetts for the redre.ss of alleged 
grievances, and became the leader in the rebellion which bears his name. Shays, after 
being pardoned, removed to Vermont and thence to New York, where he died Sept. 29, 
1825. In his old age he \\as allowed a pension for his services during the Revolution. 

- The " Whiskey Insurrection" was a disturbance in the south-western section of 
Pennsylvania, caused by Congress imposing a tax on all ardent spirits distilled in the 
United States three years previously. The object of the tax was to improve the reve- 
nues of the government. It is charged that Genet, the French minister, and his par- 
tizans incited the people of the distilling regions to resist the tax collectors. The dis- 
affected rose in arms. Washington issued two proclamations warning the insurgents to 
disperse but, instead of obeying, they fired upon and captured the officers of the govern- 
ment. A military force 15,000 strong, was then organized and sent into the disturbed 
district, to enforce the law, but the insurgents had already scattered when the troops 
arrived. The whiskey tax was a measure of the Federal party. 



(0 



2 THE FRIES KEBELLIOX. 

President Washington sent a large body of troops, under 
Governor Henry Lee/ of Virginia, into the disaffected dis- 
trict. The force was so imposing the insurgents abandoned 
their organization and returned to their homes. The third 
attempt was that of which we write, the " Fries Rebellion." 
This took place in contigious parts of Bucks* and Northamp- 
ton counties, in the Fall and Winter of 1798--99, and is so 
called from the name of the leader, John Fries, who was 
mainly instrumental in creating this opposition to the Federal 
authority. In each case the disturbance was caused in whole, 
or in part, by what the people considered an unjust and un- 
lawful tax, and they resisted putting it in force. In the two 
latter cases the assessments to be made were of an unusual 
character, though not heavy in amount, and the opposition to 
it was caused, no doubt, by want of correct information, and 
not a settled design to interfere with the execution of the 
law. The history of the Fries Rebellion proves, quite 
conclusively, the outbreak was of this character, and, if 
proper means had been taken by the authorities to explain 
the law and its necessity, to the disaffected, the extreme 
measures taken by the general government need not have 
been resorted to. It was fortunate, however, the trouble was 
brought to a close without the loss of life or bloodshed, and 
the bitterness engendered was not permanent. 

During the Administration of John Adams, the frequent 
depredations of the French upon our commerce, and their 
disregard of our rights on. the high seas, as a neutral power to 
the sanguinary conflict then devastating Europe, induced the 
belief that war with France was unavoidable. Congress, ac- 

" Governor Henry Lee, Virginia, who commanded the troops of the Government in 
the " Whiskey Insurrection," was the famous " Light Horse Harry" of the Revohition, 
and rendered Washington distinguished service as a partizan cavalry officer. He was 
born in Westmoreland county, Va., January 29, 1756. He was appointed by Congress 
to deliver the funeral oration on Washington, 1799. 

' Bucks, one of the three original counties of Pennsylvania, and organized with Phila- 
delphia and Chester, 16S3, lies in the south-eastern coroner of the State, Northampton 
joining it on the northwest and Montgomery, cut off from Philadelphia, 1782, bounds 
Bucks on the southwest. The district, where opposition to the House tax law prevailed, 
was settled mainly by Germans ; there was no opposition to speak of outside of a few 
townships in the upper end of Bucks and the lower end of Northampton. Berks vs^as 
formed from Chester, Philadelphia and Lancaster, 179S. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 3 

cordingly, made preparation for such emergency should it 
arise. The mih'tary and naval forces of the country were in- 
creased, and General Washington, then living in retirement at 
Mount Vernon, was appointed to the command of the armies 
about to be called into the field. In view of the impending 
danger to the country, Congress took such other measures as 
the President thought requisite, some of which clothed him 
with almost despotic power. The act, known as the "Alien 
and Sedition Laws," gave him authority to send obnoxious 
persons out of the country, at pleasure, and to place others in 
arrest accused of speaking, or writing, in disrespectful terms of 
the government. In connection with these measures Con- 
gress made provision to carry on the war, now thought to be 
near at hand, by laying a direct tax to be assessed and col- 
lected by agents appointed by the Federal government. 

On July 9, 1798, an act was passed providing "for the 
valuation of lands and dwelling houses and the enumeration 
of slaves within the United States." For making the valua- 
tion and enumeration, required by the act, the States were di- 
vided into districts, and, for each district, a commissioner was 
appointed by the President with a fixed salary. It was made 
the duty of the commissioners to sub-divide these districts 
into assessment districts, and, for each, appoint one principal 
and as many assistants as miglit be required. The assessors 
were to make out a list of houses, lands and slaves, and after- 
ward to value and assess them. On July 14 Congress passed 
an additional act, entitled " An Act to lay and collect a direct 
tax within the United States," fixiiig the amount to be raised 
at $2,000,000, of which $237,177.72 was the portion allotted to 
Pennsylvania. The rates of assessments to be made under 
this act were as follows : Where the dwelling and outhouses, 
on a lot not exceeding two acres, were valued at more than 
$100 and not exceeding $500, there was to be assessed a sum 
equal to two-tenths of one per cent, on the valuation. As the 
houses and lands increased in value the rates were increased 
in proportion, so that a house, worth $30,000, would pay a tax 
equal to one per cent, of its value. By this means rich and 
poor alike contributed their share of the burden according to 



4 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

their ability to pay. Upon each slave there was assessed a 
tax of 50 cents. The fourth section of the act provided for 
the appointment of collectors, and the duties were to be dis- 
charged under instructions from the Secretary of the Treas- 
ury. 

Upon the announcement of the passage of these acts of 
Congress, and their publication, discontent began to manifest 
itself. They were denounced as unconstitutional, unjust and 
oppressive, and the government charged with acting in a 
tyrannical manner. The odium already resting on Mr. 
Adams' Administration was increased, and new enemies made 
on all sides. Politicians, who seized upon it to bring the Ad- 
ministration into disrepute, were governed by selfish purposes, 
but we must credit the masses with honest motives. Follow- 
ing so soon, after the passage of the Alien and Sedition Laws, 
gave the House Tax Law greater unpopularity than it really 
merited, or would have received at any other time. The feel- 
ing of the country was very much aroused before its passage, 
and this added fuel to the flame. 

The law was violently denounced in Pennsylvania as soon 
as its provisions were known. At first the opposition took the 
form of noisy declamation, and the application of harsh ephi- 
thets to the President and his Cabinet, and was mainly con- 
fined to the counties of Bucks, Montgomery, Northampton 
and Berks in the eastern part of the State. P'rom passive re- 
sistance the opposition gradually assumed the shape of overt 
acts. In a few instances, and before any matured plan had 
been agreed upon, the officers were prevented by threats from 
making the assessments, and, in others, were hooted at and 
ridiculed. So odious did it make the Administration in Bucks 
and Northampton, that these counties positively refused to 
furnish their quota, under a law recently passed, for increasing 
the military force of the country, and not a man was furnishtLi 
by them. The opposition had assumed such alarming char- 
acter by the Winter and Spring of 1799 the President deemed 
it his duty to send a large body of troops into these counties 
to quell the disturbance and enforce the law. In order to give 
our readers an intelligent and accurate account of this out- 



THE FRIFIS REBELLION, 5 

break, it will be necessary to take up the thread of events from 
the passage of the acts of Congress that led to it. 

Immediately on the passage of the law, the Secretary of the 
Treasury took the proper steps to carry it out. The act of 
July 9 divided Pennsylvania into nine districts, the third be- 
ino- composed of the counties of Bucks and Montgomery, and 
the fifth of Northampton, Luzerne and Wayne, with the fol- 
lowing named commissioners: 

1st District, Israel Wheeler, 5th District, Jacob Eyerley," 
2d " Paul Zantzenger, 6th " Michael Schmyser, 

3d " Seth Chapman,* 7th " ThomasGrant, Jr., 

4th " Collinson Reed, 8th " Samuel Davidson, 

9th District, Isaac Jenkinson. 
Jacob Eyerley, commissioner for the fifth district, and a resi- 
dent of Northampton, was commissioned sometime in the 
month of August and took the oath of office. Almost as soon 
as qualified, he was requested, by the Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, to find suitable persons to serve as assessors in his di- 
vision. He had no trouble as far as the counties of Luzerne 
and Wayne were concerned, but, in Northampton, only two 
persons were named in connection with the appointment. 
There appeared to be a general indisposition among the peo- 
ple to accept office under the law. 

The fourth section of the act of July 9 required the com- 
missioners, as soon as possible after their appointment, to 
meet and make provision for carrying out the act. The 
board assembled at Reading,' Berks county, October 22, 
nearly all the members present. Each commissioner pre- 
sented a plan of his division and divided it into a suitable 
number of assessment districts. They also furnished a list of 
persons qualified for assessors, which was forwarded to the 
Secretary of the Treasury who was authorized to reduce the 

5 Seth Chapman, commissioner for the Third District, and citizen of Bucks county, 
received his commission and instruction early in the autumn and immediately qualified. 
He was a relative of James Chapman and possibly a brother. 

« Jacob Eyerley was a Moravian and a man of some influence. 

' Reading, the county seat of Berks, was laid out in the Autumn of I748, on a tract of 
450 acres for which warrants had been taken out by John and Samuel Finney, 1733. It 
is now a prosperous and wealthy city of some 70,000 inhabitants. 



6 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

number. A form of warrant was agreed upon and signed by 
the commissioners. The assessors were ordered to meet at 
an early day, when the commissioners would qualify and 
give them the necessary instructions. 

Bucks county was divided into two collection districts, one 
composed of the twelve upper townships, for which were ap- 
pointed one principal and five assistants ; James Chapman,* 
Richland, being the principal, and John Rodrock,* Plumstead ; 
Everhard Foulke," Richland, Cephas Childs," Samuel Clark, 
Milford, and one other assistant. Childs took the oath of of- 
fice November 5, and no doubt the others were qualified about 
the same time. The assessors met at Rodrock's the latter 
part of December, after being qualified. Here the last pre- 
liminaries were arranged prior to making the attempt to carry 
the law into effect. Each assessor was given charge of two 
townships, and allowed a choice of the ones he would assess. 

" James Chapman was born in Springfield township, and at this time was living in 
Richland, although I do not know when he moved into it. He lived on a farm some 
years ago the property of P. Mayer, on the road to Milford Square, one mile west of 
Quakertown. He belonged to Richland meeting, 1781, when he and ten other leading 
members were disowned for subscribing the oath of allegiance to the Colonies. The 
Chapman family is one of the oldest in the county, the first ancestor in America 
immigrating from England and settling in Wrightstown township, 1684. The Hon. 
Henry Chapman, lately deceased, Doylestown, was a lienal descendant of the first 
settler. Seth Chapman, one of the assessors, was a member of the same family. For a 
further account of James Chapman see chapter glh. 

" John Rodrock was a resident of Plumstead township when appointed, but I do not 
know that he was born there. He kept the tavern at what is now Plumsteadville, on the 
Easton pike, then known as " Rodrock's tavern," and this is where the assessors held 
their first meeting. He kept it down to about seventy-five years ago, and was the only 
house there. In 1762 it was called " James Hart's tavern.'" Rodrock owned about 300 acres 
of land in the vicinity, at his death, more than a half century ago. The village now con- 
tains 25 dwellings, with tavern, store, a brick church and extensive carriage works. 

1° Everard Foulke was a member of the Foulke family, Richland, in the ntighbor- 
hood of Quakertown, and was probably appointed from that township. They were 
Friends. His first ancestor in this country was Edward Foulke, who came from North 
Wales, 1698, and settled in Gwynedd township, Montgomery county, and from there re- 
moved to Richland. The late Benjamin Foulke, Quakertown, was a descendant of the 
same common ancestor as Everard. 

" Cephas Childs, or Child, the correct spelling, was of a Plumstead family, 1 ut I do 
not know that he lived there when appointed. A Cephas Child, or Childs, was tliere as 
«arly as about 1716, and was a Friend. He was a member of the Assembly, i747-.j8. 
Among the descendants of the first settler, was the late Colonel Cephas G. Child, Phila- 
delphia. A Cephas Child died in Plumstead in 1815, at the age of go, probably his son, 
or grandson. 



THE FRIES REnEr.LION. 7 

When it became known the assessments were actually to be 
made, and the tax collected under the " odious" law, tlie 
hostility of the people, which had somewhat abated since its 
passage, broke out anew in some localities. The excitement 
soon reached fever heat. The tax became the general subject 
of conversation throughout the country, and was discussed in 
the taverns, stores, at all public gatherings, and at every point 
where two or more persons came together. As is always the 
case in times of high excitement, the authors of the law were 
denounced in unmeasured terms, and both its object and pro- 
visions misrepresented. The most extravj^ant stories were 
put in circulation as to the intention of the government, and 
such a state of fear had seized upon the minds of the middle 
and lower classes, people were really alarmed for their personal 
safety. Many considered Mr. Adams a despot, and the act 
was viewed as the most oppressive that had ever disgraced a 
statute book. In this condition of things it is not in the least 
strange that a determination to resist the law should manifest 
itself. The opposition appears to have been more general in 
Milford"" township, in 13ucks, and in some of the border town- 
ships of Northampton county, where the inhabitants earl\' 
made open demonstration to resist the assessors. In Milford 
the officers were wholly unable to comply with the law, and 
there the houses remained unassessed for some time after tlu 
assessment had been made in other parts of the district. The 
most active man in stirring up opposition to the Federal au- 
shorities, and who, in fact, was the head and front of all the 
disturbance, was John Fries, Milford, who had the counten- 
ance and support of many of his neighbors and friends, of 
whom John Getman and Frederick Hean}, after himself, were 
the boldest and most active participants in the rebellion. 

It would be an easy matter, were we disposed to indulge in 
romance and present fictitious characters to the reader, to 
convert the leaders in this disturbance into heroes and clothe 
them with imaginary qualities ; but, as we profess to deal 



12 Milford township, in the northwest coroner of Bucks county, was settled hy Ger- 
mans as early as 1725, and organized, 1734. It is one of the largest and most populous 
townships in the county, and is a fine agricultural re^^ion. 



g- THE P'RIES REBELLION. 

only with facts, and intend to write a correct account of the 
outbreak, 1798--99, such license is forbidden. Fries, Heany 
and Getman were plain, honest Germans only, and it is extend- 
ing ordinary charity to suppose them to have been governed 
by sincere motives in the course they took. 

John Fries, the leading spirit of the insurrection and came 
of parentage in the lower walks of life, was born in Hat- 
field" township, Montgomery county, about 1750. At 20 he 
was married to Margaret Brunner, daughter of David B run- 
ner, White Marsh," near Mather's Mill." John was brought 
up to work, and, when old enough, was apprenticed to the 
coopering trade, which he learned. At twenty-five himself 
and wife, and their two children, removed to Bucks county set- 
tling in Milford township. We are not imformed as to the 
exact locality, but were told by his son Daniel that Joseph 
Galloway'® gave him permission to build a house on his land at 
Boggy Creek, and occupy it as long as he wished, which offer 
he accepted. W^e have no means of knowing what length of 
time Fries lived there, nor when he changed his residence, 
but, at the time of the outbreak, we find him living in a small 

•^ Hatfield township, Montgomery county, is bounded on the northeast by Bucks 
county. It was laid out about 1741 and probably derived its name from the parish and 
town of Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England. The population is over 2000. In 1785 it 
contained one tavern, two grist mills, one saw mill and one tannery. It is 3'4 miles 
long by 3 miles wide, with an area of 7100 acres. 

'^ Whitemarsh township, Montgomery, lies in the Schuylkill Valley. It has an area 
of 8697 acres, and is one of the most populous townships in the county. In the quality 
of its limestone, marble and iron ores it is not surpassed in the State. " Whitemarsh 
lime," for whitewashing, finds its way all over the country. It was settled as early as 
16S5. It is rich in Revolutionary incidents, and, within its limits, some important 
movements were made by the two opposing armies in Fall of 1777 and Winter of 1777-78. 
It is cut by the North Pennsylvania railroad and is twelve miles from Philadelphia. 

'^ Mather's mill is in Whitemarsh township, Mbntgoniery county, near the intersec- 
tion of the Bethlehem and Skippack turnpike, a mile below Fort Washington. It was 
built by Edward Farmer, 1705 ; rebuilt, 1814, by Mather, and is now or was lately owned 
by the Otterson estate. The mill is on the Wissahickon creek. Edward Farmer carne 
to America with his father, 1685, and settled in Whitemarsh. He became prominent in 
affairs, and died November 3, 1745, in his 73d year. 

"* The Galloways came from Maryland to Philadelphia, where Joseph was born about 
1730 and marrying Grace Growden, removed to Bucks county. He owned a large landed 
estate in Bucks that came through his wife. He abandoned the Whig cause during the 
Revolution, and went to England, where he died, 1803. He was active in the early part 
of the struggle ; was a member of the first American Congress, 1774, and, at that time, 
no man stood higher in the Province. He was a lawyer, and a man of great ability. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. g 

log house near the Sumneytown road, two miles from Charles- 
town," on a lot that belonged to William Edwards, father of 
Caleb Edwards," deceased, Quakertown." He probably did 
not follow the coopering business long, if at all, after his 
removal into Bucks county, for the earliest information we 
have of him shows he was then persuing the calling of a ven- 
due cryer, which he followed to the day of his death, and 
for which he seems to have been especially adapted. This 
occupation led him to travel all over his own, and neighbor- 
ing townships, affording him an opportunity of becoming well 
acquainted with the country and the people. He had ten 
children : Solomn, John, Daniel, a second John, and a fifth 
which died in infancy before it had been named ; Mary, 
Elizabeth, Sarah, Catharine and Margaret. Of these ten chil- 
dren Solomon and Daniel were the last to die, both aged 
men, who had already reached more than man's allotted years. 
Daniel, the younger of the two, was born at " Boggy Creek," 
May, 1782. 

When the contest between Great Britain and her American 
Colonies came on, 1776, John Fries espoused the cause of his 
country, and became an active patriot. He was already en- 
rolled in the militia and had command of a company. We 

" Charlestown, now called Trumbauersville, a place of some sixty families, is built for 
half a mile along the road leading from Philadelphia to AUentown. At the time of the 
Fries Rebellion it could not have hid more than one or two dwellings, besides the 
tavern, now known as the Eagle. It is the seat of cigar factories, and, at one time, 
turned out 2,000,033 a year. The first church building was erected 1769; rebuilt, 1805, 
and again 1868. It is now a Union church. 

'8 Caleb Edwards was probably a descendant of John Edwards, who came with his 
wife from Abington, Montgomery county, to the neighborhood of Quakertown about 
1730 with the Morrisses, Heackocks, Jamisons, Joneses and others. He must have been 
appointed from Richland or a neighboring township. 

1" Quakertown, Richland township, is at the intersection of the Milford Square and 
Newtown, Hellertown and Philadelphia roads, all opened at an early day. Here a little 
hamlet began to form over a century and half ago, and as the settlers were principally 
members of the Society of Friends, the name " Quakertown" was given it. A tavern 
was opened as early as 1770 ; a post office, 1803 ; a public library founded 1795 ; and it 
was incorporated into a borough in 1854. The population was 863 in 1870, and 2169 in 
1890. In 1874 the borough limits were extended to include Richland Centre, a village 
that had grown up about the station on the North Penn. Railroad, a mile to the east. 
The population of the borough is about 3000. Quakertown is the centre of a rich and 
populous country. 



10 THE FRfES REBELLION. 

are not able to say at what period he was first called into 
service, but we l<now he was on active duty 1777- for, in the 
Fall of that year, his company being of the militia was called out 
from Bucks county to re-enforce the Continental Army, and 
was with Washington at White Marsh and Camp II ill.'"' In 
the Spring of the following year he commanded a company 
in the action at Crooked Billet, '"" under General John Lacey,"''''^ 
and shared the dangers and defeat of the day. Nearly twenty 
years later, we find him in command of a company of militia, 
from this county, in the Whiskey Insurrection. In these 
military positions it is to be presumed he served his country 
faithfully. 



'■'" "Camp Hill" is an elevalion in VVhitemarsh township, Montg-omery county, Pa., 
and so named because a portion of the Continental Army occupied it during the Fall, 

1777, in tlie operations following: the occupation of Philadelphia by the Britisli. It lies 
on the left of the Morth Pennsylvania Railroad below Fort Washington Station, the 
next station b^low it being known as " Camp Hill," on the west side of the railroad. 
The contiguous country was the scene of military operations of that period by Wash- 
ington's army. 

-1 The " Crooked Billet," the present Hatboro, a village of a tliou5a-.d inhabitants, is 
in Morelaad township, Montgomery county. Pa., half a mile from the Bucks county 
line, on the North-East Pennsylvania Railroad. It has a bank, a weekly newspaper, an 
academy, three churches, and a valuable library, founded, 1755. It is thought to have 
been first settled by John Dawson, who, with his wife and daughter, and probably two 
sons, came from London to Pennsylvania, 1710. He was a hatter and a member of 
Friends' Meeting. The place was called " Crooked Billett" from a crooked stick of 
wood painted on the sign that hung at the tavern door in ye olden time. 

'•'■•JJohn Lacey, captain in the Continental Army and subsequently a Brigadier 
General of militia in the Revolution, was born in Buckingham township, Bucks 
county, Pa., 1755. The family were members of the Society of Friends, and 
immigrated from the Isle of \N'ight, England, and settled in Wrightstown 
among the first settlers. He was commissioned captain in the 4th Pennsylvania regi- 
ment, commanded by Col. Anthony Wayne, January 5, 1776; serving in the campaign 
in Canada of that year, returning home on the recruiting service in December. He 
shortly afterward resigned his commission, because of some unjust treatment by Colonel 
Wayne, but continued his activity in the cause of the Colonies. He was commissioned 
a Sub-Lieutenant of Bucks county, March 22, 1777; a Brigadiere General of the State, 
January g, 1778, before he was 23, taking the field shortly afterward. During that 
Winter and Spring he had command of the country between the Delaware and Schuyl- 
kill, and rendered efficient service. The action at the Crooked Billet took place May i, 

1778. In 1779 General Lacey was chosen a me.mber of the Executive Council of the 
State and, as such, served for two years. The 18th of January, 1781, he married a 
daughter of Colonel Thomas Reynolds, New Mills, now Pemberton, N. J., whither he 
removed the Fall of that year, or beginning of 1782. He entered into the iron business, 
and died there February 17, 1814. The late Dr. William Darlington, West Chester, Pa., 
married a daughter of General Lacey. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. II 

At the period of which we write. Fries was about fiftj^ 
years of age. In person rather small in stature and spare, but 
active, hardy and well made. He was without education, ex- 
cept being able to read and write, with a knowledge of the 
rudiments of arithmetic. Nature had endowed him with good 
natural abilities, and he possessed a shrewd and intelligent 
mind. He was an easy and fluent talker, and somewhat 
noted for his humour and cunning; was possessed of good 
hard sense, and, had his mind been properly cultivated, 
would doubtless have been a man of mark. Personally he 
was brave and resolute, and unknown to fear. He is said to 
have possessed a species of rude eloquence which was very en- 
gaging, and gave him great control over th;" multitude. He 
was a sworn enemy to all kinds of oppression, fancied or real, and 
was esteemed a quiet and inoffensive man until this outbreak 
aroused the latent fires within him, made him notorious and 
his name a terror to the Administration of Mr, Adams. He 
had brown hair, quick and steady black eyes, of which an old 
neighbor, and one who formerly knew him well, told us "were 
as keen as the eyes of a rabbit." He had a pleasant disposi- 
tion, v.^as well liked by all, and, with many, quite a fav^orite. 
His character for honesty was above suspicion, and he was 
considered a sober man, though occassion;dly indulged in 
strong drink. These personal and other qualities gave him, 
to a considerable degree, the confidence of the community in 
which he lived, and enabled him to exercise a controlling in- 
fluence over his neighbors and friends. 

I n_ following his occupation of vendue cryer he generally 
traversed the county on horseback, and, in all his wanderings, 
was accompanied by a small black dog named *' Whiskey," to 
which he was greatly attached. When he entered a house it 
was his habit to call for " Whiskey," when the faitljful little 
animal would come and take a seat by his side and remain 
until his master got up to go away. Master and dog were in- 
separable companions, and aged persons who knew Fries 
stated to us that his approach was often heralded some time 
before he came in sight by the appearance of " Whiskey" trot- 
ting along in advance. The favorite little dog, as will be seen, be- 



12 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

fore we conclude, was the means of the betrayal of his master 
into the hands of his enemies. 

Next to John Fries, Frederick Heaney and John Getman 
were the most active instigators of the disturbance. They 
were both residents of Milford township at the time, the form- 
er Hving two miles from Charlestown, the latter within half a 
mile of Fries' house ; they were tailors by trade, and in an 
humble condition in life. Of their history we have been able 
to learn but little. Heaney was born at what is now " Stover's 
Mill,"" Rockhill township, but we do not know at what 
period he changed his residence to Milford. At one time he 
kept the tavern at Hagersville," of which Christian Hager was 
landlord forty years ago, but we have not been able to learn 
the date of his residence at this place. After his pardon by 
Mr. Adams, Heaney returned to his home, Milford town- 
ship, whence he removed to Plainfield,'''^ Northampton county, 
where he died."' He gained there not only a respectable, but 
a somewhat influential standing in the community. He was 
appointed justice of the peace, and also commanded a volun- 
teer company, which his grandson. George Heaney, command- 
ed, i860. After his death, which did not take place until he 

23 Stover's Mill is in Rockhill township, Bucks.county, a few miles from Sellersville, on 
the North Pennsylvania Railroad, and was owned by a member of the family of that 
name a few years ago. 

^'^ Hag-ersville is situated on the Old Bethlehem Road, in the north-west corner of 
Rockhill township. It has a store, tavern, the usual village mechanics, and some dozen 
dwellings. At this point the road is the dividing line between Bedminster and Rockhill 
townships. The village took its name from Colonel George Hager, a prominent man 
and politician over half a century ago. He was a candidate for sheriff 1836. 

"5 Plainfield township, Northampton county, was settled as early as 1730 and organ- 
ized shortly after 1752, but the records of its organization are lost. It was a frontier 
township of Bucks county at the time of its organization. 

-" We were told by a descendant of Frederick Heaney that he was of German descent, 
as his name implies, his father, Johannes Horning, having immigrated from the Palati- 
nate about 1742, and settled at what was afterward known as " Heaney's Mill," Rockhill 
township, Bucks county. Frederick was born there August 18, 1769. At the beginning 
of the present century he removed to Northampton county, where he died, iSiS. Gov- 
ernor Simon Snyder commissioned him justice of the peace, for a district of Northamp- 
ton, composed of the townships of Upper and Lower Mount Bethel and Plainfield. July 
27, 1809, which office he held until his death. He was buried at Plainfield Church, near 
the Wind Gap. A number of his descendants live in Monroe and Northampton 
counties. 



iv^*n S-X /-A^ A^^ ^W/ a/' /^^vj/W^^ :^V^ 9 



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FACSIMILE OF A THREATENING NOTICE ISSUED DURING THE FREAS' REBELLION. 

ORIGINAL IN THE COLLECTION OF JOHN W. JORDAN, PHILADELPHIA. 












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PI 







THE FRIES REBELLION. I3 

had reached a green old age, his widow was twice married, and 
died in Plainfield, 1855, at the age of eighty-nine years. He 
had three sons, Charles, Samuel and Enoch, and one daughter, 
Elizabeth. It is related by his descendants that while the 
troops were in pursuit of him, a party of soldiers came to his 
house one night, when his wife was alone, except her little 
daughter, Elizabeth. They heard of threats against his life, 
and, hearing them coming, she jumped out of bed and put a 
spike over the door to prevent them getting in, and, leaving 
her child in the house, ran out the back door and across the 
fields to alarm a neighbor. When she returned with help the 
soldiers were gone. This child was Mrs. Edmonds, living, 
i860, in Bushkill township, Northampton county, whose son, 
Jacob B. Edmonds, resided at Quakertown. 

Getman is supposed to have been born in Rockhill town- 
ship, also, but we have not been able to learn anything of his 
history. His brother George died near Sellersville, Bucks 
county, March 4, 1855, at the advanced age of 92 years, 2 
months and 10 days, respected by all his friends and neigh- 
bors. He, likewise, was arrested during the trouble ; was 
tried and convicted but received a much lighter sentence than 
his brother John, being fined one hundred dollars and sent- 
enced to undeigo an imprisonment of 6 months. Heaney 
was the owner of a small house and lot. These two men 
were the advisors and confederates of John Fries, Getman be- 
ing the most in his confidence. They lacked the intelligence 
and shrewdness of their leader, but were active in the cause 
and rendered him important service. Such were the three 
men who were the head and front of the " Fries Rebellion." 
Thus we have related the cause of the rebellion, with some ac- 
count of the principal actors in it, and, in the next chapter, 
we shall give our readers a brief history of the overt acts of 
t he insurgents. 




T'he I'Fie^ I^ebellion. 



CHAPTER II. 



The Insuroents Prepare to F^esist the Law. 

John Fries was probabl}^ the first to array himself against 
the law, immediately upon its passage and promulgation. His 
own intense hostility begat the desire that his neighbors and 
friends should agree with him in feelino-, and he labored with, 
great zeal to this end. When going about the county cr}'ing 
vendues, he was careful to sound the people as to how they 
stood upon the subject of the new ta.x, and was never back- 
ward in expressing his own opinion. From a warm supporter 
of Mr. Adams and his Administration, he suddenly became 
their most bitter enemy, giving vent to his feelings in terms 
of unmeasured denunciation. He reasoned with, persuaded, 
and threatened all and seemed to make it his business to 
create enemies to the act. He was thus active during the Fall 
months of 1798, and, by the end of the year, had raised a 
fierce opposition to the law and those who were to carry it 
into execution. He was particularly hostile to the house-tax, 
and declared openly that no assessments should be made in 
Milford township, nor tax collected if he could pre\-cnt it. 
We were informed by his son Daniel, then about eighteen, 
and had a distinct recollection of the events transpiring, that 
several private meetings were held at his father's house before 
any public demonstration was made. His friends and neigh- 
bors met there to talk about the law, and determine, in a quiet 
manner, what was best to be done. At these conferences 
Fries always took the lead, and his stronger mind assisted to 
mould the opinion of others. 

(14) 



THE FRIES REBEELIOX. I 5 

Tlie time had now arrived when some more active measures 
must be taken, and opinion changed to deeds. The period 
approached when the assessors were to commence their duties, 
and some public demonstration was necessary to prevent them 
carrying tlie hiw into eiTect. With this object in view, about 
the first of February, 1799, notices, without any names signed 
to them, were put up at various places \u the township, calling 
a public meeting for Frida}', -he eighth, at the public house of 
John Klein, on the road lea ling to Gary's tavern, two miles 
southwest from Charlestown. On the d.i}' appointed, a num- 
ber of persons assembled at the place of meeting late in the 
afternoon. The two most active and nois)- men present were 
John Fries and George Mitchel,' who then kept the public 
house mcire recenth' occupied b\' Eli L. Zeigler, at the west 
end of Charlestown. This tavern was one of the places where 
the mal con.tents of the neighborhood assembled at evenings 
to talk over their grievances. Few, if an\', at the meeting ap- 
pear to have had a very definite idea of what should be done ; 
the)' disliked the hi)use tax and were opposed to paying it 
themselves, or permitting others to do so ; but, be^'ond tliis, 
there was no plan of opposition, at this time. The law was 
discussed and its authors denounced in violent terms. 

Some expressed a doubt whether the bill had yet become a 
law. The newspapers of the day mentioned that an amend- 
ment had lately passed Congress, which seemed to confuse the 
understanding of the people, and rendered them undecided as 
to whether the law was actually in force. After the matter 
had been sufficiently considered and the sense of the met;ting 
fully explained. Fries, with the assistance of the publican, 
Mitchel, drew up a [)aper that was approved and signed by 
about fifty of those present. What the exact import of this 
paper was has never been determined, as neither the original 
nor a copy fell into the hands of the authorities. It is sup- 
posed, however, to have contained merely a statement of the 
views of the signers upon the subject of the tax, and their de- 
termination to oppose the execution of the law. Before ad- 

1 We are not able to learn anything further of George Mitchell than is mentioned 
here. 



1 6 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

journing, however, a resolution was passed requesting" the as- 
sessors not to come into the township to make the assessment, 
until the people were better informed whether the law was 
really in force ; and one Captain Kuyder appointed to serve a 
copy of the resolution upon them. Having transacted the 
business which brought them together, the people quietly dis- 
persed and returned to their homes. The meeting was con- 
ducted in the most orderly and peaceable manner, and there 
was no appearance of disturbance on the part of anyone. 

Our readers will bear in mind, that Mr. Chapman, com- 
missioner for the counties of Bucks and Montgomery, met the 
assessors of the former county at the public house of Mr. 
Rodrock, the latter end of December, to deliver to them their 
instructions how to proceed in the assessments. Immediately 
after this meeting, these officers commenced the assessment in 
the respective townships assigned them. They proceeded 
without any trouble, or appearance of opposition, in all the 
townships but Milford, and even there the people, notwith- 
standing the late agitation and excitement against the law, 
quietly acquiesce in its execution. It is true they did not 
like it, and would rather have avoided paying the tax, but 
they had abandoned all intention of resisting the law. Childs 
and Clark had both been appointed for Milford, and, before 
separating, fixed upon a day when the}^ would begin in that 
township. Childs had also one or two other townships as- 
signed him, and, it was arranged between them, they 
should assist each other, two days at a time, alternately. As 
Childs had already made some assessments in his own district, 
he agreed to help Clark whenever he should be ready to begin 
the work. Before the meeting adjourned at Rodrock's, the 
principal assessor named an early day to meet again, and make 
return of what they had done. Mr. Childs went to assist 
Clark according to agreement, but, when he reached his house, 
finding the latter was not able to go on with the assessments, 
he returned to finish up his own district. In Milford the ex- 
citement was still running high ; and as threats of serious in- 
jury had been made against the assessors, who were forbidden 
to enter the township, they declined to attempt it. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 1 7 

Fries and his friends had inflamed the minds of tlie people 
to such degree, that in some parts of the township they were 
ahnost in a condition to take up arms. The assessors met at 
Rodrock's, to make returns, on February 6, but as they did 
not complete their business that day they adjourned to meet 
on the i6th. ' 

In the unsettled condition of things in Milford, the princi- 
pal assessor, James Chapman, determined to take some steps 
to satisfy the people of that township in relation to the tax. 
For this purpose he thought it advisable to have a public 
meeting called at some convenient place, where he would ex- 
plain the law, but not trusting altogether to his own judgment 
in the matter, he went to George Mitchel s on Monday, Feb- 
ruary II, and consulted him. The latter agreeing with the 
principal assessor, he was requested to lend his assistance in 
getting up the meeting and assented. Word was sent to 
Jacob Hoover,'^ who owned and lived at a mill on Swamp 
creek, on the road leading from Trumbauersville to Spinners- 
town, about one mile west of the former place, and the same 
later occupied by Jonas Graber,^ to give notice of the meeting 
to the people of his neighborhood; and also to inform them 
they would be permitted to select their own asstssor, and 
that any capable man whom they might name would be quali- 
fied. The offer, however, did not meet with much favor in 
that section of the township, and the people declined to have 
anything to do with it. There seemed to be a general disposi- 
tion, among the friends of Mr. Adams in the township, to have 
a public meeting called notwithstanding the failure of the 
first attempt — to endeavor to reconcile matters ; and Israel 
Roberts and Samuel Clark both saw Mitchell upon the sub- 
ject. A few days after, Mr. Chapman again sent word to 
Mitchell to advertise a meeting, which he accordingly did, and 

2 The Hoovers, or Hubers, immigrated from Switzerland between 1750 and 1760, and 
settled in Milford township. The father's name we do not know, but his wife's was 
Ann, who was born 1722, died 1775, and was buried at the Trumbauersville church. 
Henry, one of the sons, made powder for the Penna. Committee of Safety, 1776, at a 
mill on Swamp creek. Another son, John Jacob, was probably the "Jacob Hoover" 
mentioned here. 

3 This was in 1859 ; the present owner we do not know. 



ig THE FRIES REBELLION. 

the time fixed was the latter end of February, the place, his 
own tavern. The notice given was pretty general, and a 
large assemblage was expected. 

The Jacob Hoover here spoken of was the uncle of Reuben 
L. Wyker, who lived near Rufe's store in Tinicum, and was 
active in assisting Fries. It is said he manufactured cartouch 
boxes for the use of the insurgents, and otherwise made him- 
self useful to them. He escaped capture by having timely 
warning of the approach of the troops. George Wyker, also 
of Tinicum, and uncle of Reuben L., was in Philadelphia at 
market, at the time, and- there learned that Jacob Hoover was 
to be arrested, and that a warrant had already been issued. 
Being anxious to prevent him falling into the hands of the 
federal authorities, he hastened home, as soon as he had sold 
out his marketing, to give warning of the danger. He told 
his father what he had heard in the city. The latter was 
Nicholas Wyker, who lived on the same farm where Alfred 
Sacket lived in more recent years, on the hillside near Rufe's 
store. He immediately set off for Hoover's, whom he found 
at home, apparently very much unconcerned, but entirely 
ignorant of the danger that threatened him. Even when told 
of the arrangements made to arrest him, he did not seem to 
give it much importance ; but, while they were in conversa- 
tion Hoover looked out the window and saw the troops com- 
ing up the road. This reminded him of the necessity of flee- 
ing. He immediately ran out the back door, and, keeping the 
house between him and them, made his way to a neighboring 
thicket, into which he escaped. When the soldiers arrived at 
the house, they surrounded it and entered, but the bird had 
flown, and Hoover was nowhere to be found. After a thor- 
ough search, the officer gave up the pursuit and returned with 
his soldiers, much chagrined. Hoover kept out of harm's 
way until the affair had blown over, when he returned home. 
He afterward removed to Lewistown, in this State, where he 
died. 

In the meantime the adjourned meeting to be holden at 
Rodrock's tavern, on February i6, at which the returns of the 
assessments were to be made, came off'. All the assessors, 



THE FRIES REBELLION. I9 

except Mr. Clark, were there and reported the assessments 
liad been nearly completed in all the townships except Mil- 
ford, where nothing had as yet been done. The assessor of 
this township had been so much intimidated and threatened 
he was afraid to go about in the discharge of his duties. Mr. 
Foulke also expressed some fears of going into the township, 
as threats had likewise been made against him, and he antici- 
pated trouble. This state of things changed his mind in re- 
gard to permitting the people of the township to select their 
own assessor, and he now gave his consent to it, hoping it 
would conciliate them. He used his influence with the com- 
missioner to induce him to agree to the same, c'nd he finally 
>-iclded and gave his permission. Me notified the assessors, 
at the same time, that in case the people did not accept the 
terms offered them, and choose some person to discharge the 
dut}^ they would have to go into the township, and assist 
Clark to make the assessments. Proposals were made to the 
various assessors as to which would assume the duty, but each 
one had some excuse to give why he could not go, showing 
great unwillingness to place themselves in the way of danger. 
The unsettled condition of Milford alarmed them, John Fries 
and his friends being the terror of these officers. 

The time for the mcetitig advertised to take place at 
Mitchell's had now airived, which was holden (jn a Saturday, 
and a great many })ersons were at it. Everhard P\ndke and 
James Chapman were present on the part of the assessors. 
The meeting was called for the purpose of reading and ex- 
plaining the law, as they were extremely ignorant of its pro- 
visions and operations ; but they behaved in such a disorderly 
manner nothing could be done. A general fear appears to 
have seized upon those present. Mr. Foulke used his best en- 
deavors to remove it, but without avail. In their present 
state of mind, as he well knew, any explanation of the law on 
his part W'ould have but little, if any, effect, and he did not even 
attempt it. Among the well disposed citizens present was Jacob 
Klein, who, at the request of Mitchell, made an effort to calm 
the fears of the people, but he met with no success, for the 
tlamor and noise were so incessant he could not be heard. 



20 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

Israel Roberts proposed to read the law to them, but they 
would not listen to him, and drowned his voice in their shouts. 
Conrad Marks, who afterward became an active participant in 
the disturbance, was at the meeting, but it does not appear 
that John Fries was there, which is hardly reconcileable, with 
his known activity in opposing the law. The assessors seeing 
nothing could be done toward satisfying their minds on the 
subject of the tax, and removing their prejudice and opposi- 
tion to the law's execution, declined to take further part in the 
meeting and returned home. 

The officers, upon this occasion, met with a signal failure 
in their attempt to induce the people to acquiesce in the as- 
sessments, and the result of the meeting gave encouragement 
to the opposition. In the subsequent trial of John Fries be- 
fore the United States Court, Mr. Chapman, who was a wit- 
ness on the part of the Government, gives the following ac- 
count of what took place at this meeting, so far as it fell 
under his own observations. He says: 

" I got there between one and two o'clock. Just as I got to 
the house, before I went in, I saw ten or twelve people com- 
ing from towards Hoover's mill ; about the half of them were 
armed, and the others with sticks. I went into the house 
and twenty or thirty were there. I sat talking with some of 
my acquaintance that were well disposed to the laws. Conrad 
Marks talked a great deal in German ; how oppressive it was, 
and much in opposition to it, seeming to be much enraged. 
His son, and those who came with him, seemed to be very 
noisy and rude; they talked in German, which as I did not 
know sufficiently, I paid but little attention to them. They 
were making a great noise ; huzzaing for liberty and Democ- 
racy, damning the Tories, and the like. I let them go on, as 
I saw no disposition in the people to do anything toward for- 
warding the business. Between four and five I got up to go 
out ; as I passed through the crowd towards the bar, they 
pushed one another against me. 

" No offer was made to explain the law to them while 1 
staid ; they did not seem disposed to hear it. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 21 

*' They did not mention my name the whole time of my 
being there, but tliey abused Eyerlyand l^alliett and said they 
had cheated the public, and what villains they were. I under- 
stood it was respecting collecting the revenue, but I did not 
understand near all they said. I recollect Conrad Marks said 
that Congress had no right to make such a law, and that he 
never would submit to have his house taxed. 

" They seemed to think that the collectors were all such 
fellows; the insinuation was that they cheated the public, and 
made them pay, but never paid into the Treasury. After 
getting through the crowd to the bar, I suppose I was fifteen 
minutes in conversation with Mitchell ; he said perhaps they 
were wrong, but the people were very much exasperated. 
Nothing very material happened, and I asked Mr. Foulke if it 
were not time to be going. So I got into my sleigh and went 
off; soon after they set up a dreadful huzza and shout." 

Israel Roberts and other witnessess, on the part of the prose- 
cution at the trial of Fries, and who was present at the meet- 
ing at Mitchel's, testified as follows: 

" At the last meeting at Mitchell's there appeared a dis- 
position to wait till they should have assistance from some 
other place. It was said that a letter had arrived to George 
Mitchell, from Virginia, stating there were a number of men, 
I think ten thousand, on their way to join them ; the letter 
was traced from one to another, through six or eight persons, 
till at last it came from one who was not there. Some of the 
company at that time were armed and in uniform. I do not 
recollect what was said when the letter was mentioned, but 
they appeared to be more opposed to the law than they were 
before. 

" At the meeting at George Mitchel's, at which Mr. Foulke 
and Mr. Chapman were present, which was held for the pur- 
pose of explaining the law, there were a number, about twelve 
came up in uniform, and carrying a flag with "Liberty" on it. 
They came into the house and appeared to be very much op- 
posed to the law, and in a very bad humour. I proposed to 
read the law to them ; and they asked me how I came to 



22 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

advertise the meeting ; I told them I did it with the consent 
of a few others ; one of them asked me what business I had to 
do it ; I told him we did it to explain the law. He looked 
me in the face and said, ' We don't want any of your damned 
laws, we have laws of our own,' and he shook the muzzle of his 
musket in my face, saying, 'This is our law and we will let 
you know it.' There were four or five who wished to hear it, 
but others forbid it, and said it should not be read, and it was 
not done." 

On his way home from the meeting, Mr. Chapman stopped 
at the public house of Jacob Fries, who then kept the tavern 
more recently occupied by George L. Pheister, at the east end 
of Trumbauersville, where he waited for Mr. Foulke to come 
up, who arrived soon after. Clark was also there. Mr. Chap- 
man had a conversation with him upon the subject of taking 
the rates in the township, when he declined to have anything 
more to do with it. He gave as a reason for this course that 
it would not be safe for him to undertake the assessments, 
and that he did not feel justified in endangering his life in 
order to assist to have the law carried into execution. He 
thus washed his hands of the whole business, and resigned his 
commission. It was now evident to Chapman and Foulke, 
that the other assessors would be obliged to make the as- 
sessments in Milford, if they were made at all, and they 
deemed it their duty to take immediate steps to have it done. 
They agreed to meet the assessors at Ouakertown, on March 
4, in order to commence the work, and, before they left for 
home, Mr. Chapman asked each one to be present at tlie 
time and place appointed. When the day arrived for the 
meeting, but three of the assessors attended, Rodrock, Childs 
and Foulke, in addition to the principal, Mr. Chapman. They 
waited until evening without transacting any business, ex- 
pecting others would arrive but none came, when they ad- 
journed to meet at the house of Mr. Chapman, at nine o'clock 
the next morning. 

As soon as it became noised about that the assessors had re- 
solved to come into the township to take the rates, those op- 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 23 

posed to the law renewed their activity against it. The peo- 
ple were told by the leaders that the assessments must not be 
made, and force would be used to prevent it, if necessary. The 
information that the assessors, who were now looked upon as 
enemies to republican institutions were coming, increased the 
excitement, and the people began active measures to oppose 
them. Captain Kuyder, who was in command of a com- 
pany of militia, called them into service to assist in driving 
the assessors out of the township. He notified his men to 
meet him at his mill, on March 6, where some fifteen 
or twenty assembled. Early in the morning, while he was 
abroad in the neighborhood, he met his acquaintance, William 
Thomas, whom he invited to go to the mill and see his men. 
He accepted the invitation and accompanied the Captain 
there. His men were getting together. When he arrived he 
found a number already assembled, a portion of them armed 
and others soon came up. After remaining a little while the 
Captain ordered his men to take up the march for the tavern 
of Jacob Fries, Trumbauersville. 

By the time they reached the village a considerable num.ber 
of stragglers had been attracted, who helped to swell the 
throng. They marched along the main road until they came 
to the tavern, when they drew up in front of it and halted. Here 
a number more joined them, making about thirt\' in all. The 
people assembled expressed a desire to see the assessors, 
whom the}' knew were somewhere in the township making as- 
sessments ; and a couple of horsemen were sent off to hunt 
them up and notify them they were wanted. They were in- 
structed, in case they should find them, to take them prison- 
ers, and either conduct them to Ouakertown or bring them to 
Fries' tavern. Soon after the messengers had left, it was 
proposed that Captain Kuyder's company and the rest of the 
people assembled, should march to Quakertown and they im- 
mediately started down the road for that place. They pre- 
sented a somewhat martial, but very irregular, appearance ; 
the greater part being either armed with guns or clubs and 
accompanied with drum and fife. As they passsed through 
the country they attracted much attention, and the sounds of 



24 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

their martial music were heard " far o'er hill and dale." They, 
who were not cognizant of the movement, and hardly knew 
what to make of the demonstration, went to the roadside to 
see what was going on. As they marched along the road they 
increased in number, and, by the time they reached their des- 
tination, there were more than a hundred in rhe company. 
This movement was the commencement of the overt acts of 
resistance, and had an important bearing on the subsequent 
conduct of those who became insurgents in name and deed. 



5^he prie§ f^sbellion. 



CHAPTER III. 

F'l-ies OeiptLires the Assessors. 

The three assessors, Chapman, Foulke and Childs, met, on 
the morinng of Marcli 5, at the house of Mr. Chapman as had 
been agreed upon, and thence proceeded into Milford town- 
ship to make the assessments. They thought it advisable to 
to call upon Clark, in the first instance, and see if they could 
not prevail upon him to go with them and divide the town- 
ship, so as to complete their work in a short time. When 
they arrived at his house he was absent from home, and it was 
thought best for Mr. Chapman to go in search of him. Learn- 
ing he had gone to assist one of his neighbors to move, he 
went to Jacob Fries" tavern to wait for him to return. In a 
little while he came. Upon being aslced to assist in assessing 
the township he positively refused, saying he might as well 
pay his fine, even if it should take all the property he had. 
Finding that nothing could be done with him, the subject w'as 
dropped. While Mr. Chapman was at the tavern, John Fries 
came up. After passing the compliments of the day, Fries 
remarked to him he understood he had been insulted at one 
of the meetings in the township, which, he said, would not 
have been the case had he been present, and expressed his re- 
gret at the rudeness with which the assessor had been treated. 
The following interview then took place between the two, as 
sworn to on the trial of Fries : 

"I told him (Fries) I thought they were very wrong in op- 
posing the law as they did ; he signified that he thought they 
were not, and that the rates should not be taken by the as- 

' Jacob Fries' tavern, torn down many years ago, was situated in tiie rocky part of 
Milford township, in a valley, about a mile below Milford Centre, and two hundred 
yards from a public road. The road passed by the house in early times, but was 
changed. The house was a long, story and a half, stone and log building. It was not a 
tavern for more than half a century before it was torn down. The property was once 
owned by John Keiper. 

(25) 



26 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

sessors. I told him the rates would certainly be taken, and 
that the assessors were then in the township taking them. I 
repeated it to him, and he answered, ' My God ! if I were only 
to send that man (pointing to one standing by,) to my house 
to let them know they were taking the rates, there would be 
five or seven hundred men under arms here to-morrow morn- 
ing by sunrise.' He told me he would not submit to the law. 
I told him I thought the people had more sense than to rise 
in arms to oppose the law in that manner; if they did, gov- 
ernment must certainly take notice of it, and send an armed 
force to enforce the law. His answer was, ' if they do, we 
will soon try who is the strongest.' I told him they certainly 
would find themselves mistaken respecting their force; he sig- 
nified he thought not ; he mentioned to me the troop of 
horse in Montgomery county, and the people at Upper and 
Lower Milford," and something about infantry who Vv^ere 
ready to join. He said he was very sorry for the occasion, 
for, if they were to rise, God knew where it would end ; the 
consequences would be dreadful; I told him the}^ would be 
obliged to comply ; he then said huzza, it shall be as it is in 
France, or zvill be as it is in France, or something to that' ef- 
fect. He then left me and and went ofT." 

While Mr. Chapman was waiting for Clark at Jacob Fries' 
tavern, and holding the strange interview with John Fries, the 
other assessors were engaged in taking the rates around the 
township. The first house they came to was Daniel Weid- 
ner's, at the west end of Trumbauersville, and occupied 
by Geo. Zeigler, 1859. Childs went in first and told Mr. W. 
that he had come in order to take the assessment under the 
revenue law of the United States. He appeared to be in a 
bad humour at the proceeding, and declined to give any in- 
formation of his property. The assessor reasoned with him, 
and pointed out the impropriety of his conduct and what 
would be the consequence of his opposing the law. He was 
told he might have ten days to consider the matter, at the end 
of which time he would be able to determine what he ought to 
do. He professed not to know whether the law was in force, 
and said many other things in extenuation of his conduct ; 

2 Upper and Lower Milford townships in Lehitjli county, originally Upper Milford, in 
Bucks, fell into Northampton when that county was cut off from Bucks, 1752, and into 
Lehigh when that county was organized, 1812. At what time Upper Milford was divided 
we do not know. 



THE FRIES REBELLIOX. 2/ 

charged the assessor with receiving vcr)' high wages, &c. Mr. 
Childs explained that the haw was in force and how a commit- 
tee of Congress had reported against the expediency of re- 
pealing it. y\t last, Weidncr, overcome by persuasion, or argu- 
ment, consented to be assessed and gave up his property, say- 
ing to the assessor, "take it now, since it must be done." 
Childs then continued on his round, \\alking and leading his 
horse from house to house, until he reached Mitchel's tavern,' 
\\-hcre he found the other two assessors, who had arrived a 
little while before. Weidncr got there in advance and was 
again railing out against the law; and said that the houses of 
high value were to pay nothing, while smaller ones, and of 
small value, were to pa}' high. He was again reasoned with, 
and tinaily became apparently reconciled, and gave up an ad- 
ditional piece of propert}' to be assessed. He seemed to take 
the matter much at heart, however, and exclaimed, " They 
will ruin me; what shall I do?" The assessors then continued 
on their w,iy toward Jacob Fries' tavern, where they were to 
meet the principal assessors by appointment, assessing several 
houses as they went along. They had assessed some fifty 
or sixty houses in the whole, up to this point, and had done 
it without opposition. In every case but one the people were 
at home, and there a notice u'as left. They arrived at the 
tavern a little before dinner. As Mr. Childs was going into 
the door he was met by John Fries, who shook him b}' the 
hand, said he was glad to see him, and asked him to take a 
drink. 

The assessors dined at Jacob Fries'. After dinner, and 
while they were sitting at the fire, John Fries came into the 
room. He addressed him-;elf to Mr. Foulke and Mr. Chap- 
man, and said they were men he greatly esteemed, and was 
sorry they had placed themselves in that position. He here 
proclaimed his opposition to the law; and said " I now warn 
you not to go to another hou^e to take the rates ; if \'ou do 
you will be hurt." Without waiting for a reply he turned 
upon his heel and went out of the room. He seemed irritated 
and in anger. He said nothing more to them while the}- re- 
mained there. After a conference, the assessors concluded to 

3 1 have not been able to locate Mitchel's tavern, further than to say it was in Milford 
[ township. 



2g THE FRIES REBELLION. 

pay no attention to the threat of John Fries, but proceed with 
the assessments. While at the tavern, Mr. Childs took the 
rates of Jacob Fries' house to which no opposition was made. 
It was then agreed that Rodrock and Foulke should go 
together, and Childs by himself to assess the houses of some 
who were known to be quiet and orderly people. They then 
mounted their horses and rode away in discharge of their 
duty. They found a marked difference, between the English 
and German, to be assessed ; with the former they had no 
difficulty, except at one place, where the family said there 
were some bad people living in the neighborhood who would 
do them injury if they submitted to the rates. Messrs. Rod- 
rock and Foulke continued on until about sunset without 
meeting any hindrance, or seeing any sign of opposition to the 
execution of the law. They were now going to the house of 
a man named Singmaster, and, as they turned down a lane out 
of the public road, they heard some person halloo to them ; 
when, stopping and looking round, they saw John Fries and 
five men coming toward them. Fries was in front, and upon 
coming up he said he had warned them not to proceed with 
the assessments, but as they would not obey him he had now 
come to take them prisoners. Rodrock asked him by what 
authority he had stopped them, to which he made no reply, 
but immediately grappled for the bridle of his horse. He 
wheeled the horse around at the moment^, which caused Fries 
to miss the bridle and catch the rider by the coat tail, but the 
latter succeeded in tearing away and freeing himself from his 
grasp. Fries then rode off, but, before he had gone far, he 
turned about and approached the assessor again. He now cursed 
Rodrock, and, remarked to him, if he had a horse he would 
catch him. He offered no further insult, but returned to his 
companions. Mr. Foulke was less fortunate. The comrades 
of Fries surrounded him and secured him without resistance ; 
but when in their power they offered him no injur}', but 
treated him with kindness. When Fries returned to his men 
and found Mr. Foulke in their hands, he at once directed them 
to let him go, giving as a reason that as they were not able to 
catch Mr. Rodrock, they would not detain him. As the as- 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 29 

sessor was released Fries remarked to him, " I will have seven 
hundred men together to-morrow, and I will come to your 
house, and let you know we are opposed to the law." Being 
at liberty once more the assessors proceeded to the house of 
J^hilip Singmaster, who iix'ed on the road leath'ng from Trum- 
bauersvdle to Philadelphia, half a mile from the former place, 
and in a house occupied by Zeno Franlz, 1859. Thty 
found him at home, and, upon informing him of their busi- 
ness, were permitted to assess his house without opposition. 
While here Mr. Childs rejoined them as had been agreed upon 
when they parted company at the tavern of Jacob Fries. They 
now compared opinions, and came to the unanimous conclu- 
sion they would not be justified in further attempt to take 
the rates in Milford township, on account of the violent op- 
position of the inhabitants, led on b\' John Paries ; and the 
principal assessor was to give notice of this determination to 
the commissioners. They thereupon ceased to make assess- 
ments in the township and turned their faces homeward on 
the afternoon of March 6. 

Meanwhile the insurgents coi^tinued their march toward 
Ouakertown, where they arrived about noon, or shortly after. 
In a little while the party of Capt. Kuyder was joined by 
John Fries and companions and several otheis. They halted 
at the tavern of Enoch Roberts, the same kept by Peter 
Smith, 1859, '^>'li'-''i those on horseback dismounted, and, as 
many as could, went into the house. The scene around the 
tavern was one of noise and confusion, wliile those inside were 
no less boisterous. They were hallooing, and cursing and 
swearing ; the most violen.t were denouncing John Adams, 
the house-tax, and the officers who were to execute the law ; 
some were drumming and fifing, apparently endeavoring to 
drown the hum of confused voices in the strains of martial 
music, and numerous other wa}'s were resorted to, to give 
vent to their feelings. The bar of Mr. Roberts was pretty 
generously patronized, a!;d that licjuor flowed so freely the 
excitement and confusion were increased. Paries, expect- 
ing the assessors to come that way on their return home, he 



5a THE FRIES REBELLION". 

had made up his mind to arrest them if nothing- transpired 
to interfere with his arrangements. 

When the assessors ended their conference at Phihp Sing- 
master's, after having assessed him, they started directly- 
homeward, having to pass through Ouakertown their most 
direct road. Messrs. Foulke and Rodrock rode together, 
while Mr. Childs preceded them a short distance. When they 
arrived at the village, they found it in possession of the 
crowd of people already mentioned, under the control of John 
Fries and Conrad Marks. Some were in uniform and others 
in their usual working clothes ; some were armed with guns, 
and others carried clubs. The noise and confusion they made 
were heard some time before the assessors reached the town. 
The testimony, given on the trial, shows they were congregated 
at two public houses, one already mentioned as being kept by 
Enoch Roberts, whereas the other was called " Zeller's tav- 
ern." W^e have been at considerable trouble to locate this 
latter public house, but have been unable to do so. The 
house, in which Richard Green lived, 1859, *^" ^^"'^ ""•^'^^ ^^ 
the railroad station, is said to stand on the site of an old tav- 
ern which may have been the one the witnesses called "Zel- 
ler's." On the other hand it is said, by the old residents of 
Quakertown, that Enoch Roberts had a son-in-law named N. 
B. Sellers, who assisted him to keep the public house he then 
occupied. The name of Zeller may have been intended for 
Sellers, and is possibly a misprint in the report of the trial, 
both meaning one and the same place. 

When the insurgents saw the assessors coming they set up 
a great shout, and, as soon as they had approached within 
hailing distance, ordered them to stop. This they did not 
heed, as they had determined not to place themselves in their 
power if it could be avoided. As they entered the village 
Messrs. Foulke and Rodrock separated, and did not ride in 
together, Mr. Childs having already stopped at the house of a 
rieighbor just on the edge of the town. Rodrock now rode 
in advance, and, when he had passed about half through the 
crowd, without giving lieed to their commands to stop, they 
started to run after him from both sides of the road, some car- 



THE FRIKS REBELLION. 3 1 

rying clubs and others muskets, and made motions as if 
they intended to strike him. John Fries was standing upon 
the porch of the tavern, and when he saw Rodrock coming up 
he called out to him to stop, but, paying no attention to it, 
some of the men ran after him. The assessor, seeing himself 
pursued, wheeled his horse and demanded of Fries what he 
wanted with hiin. This seemed to excite the men the more, 
and they replied to him with curses, and ordered him, in an 
authoritative tone, to deliver himself up. To this he replied 
he would not do it while they addressed him in such language 
as they had applied to him. Some one in the crowd then 
gave the order to fire at him, when two men standing ne<ir the 
tavern door pointed their guns but did not fire. He now rode 
off toward home, and when they saw him making his escape, 
they again commanded him to stop; some making demonstra- 
tions to get their horses and pursue him, but they did not. 
When he reached the house of Daniel Penrose, seeing Jacob 
Fries and John Jamieson there, he halted and related to them 
what had taken place. He appeared to be much alarmed ; 
said that Foulke and Childs had been captured, and was afraid 
they would be killed. He requested Jamieson to return to 
the village, and prevent them being hurt, which he declined 
doing unless Rodrock would accompan}' him; but he was 
finally prevailed upon to go. He found the two assessors iii 
tlie hands of the mob but not injured. 

The other two assessors were less fortunate both falling into 
the hands of the enemy. As Mr. Foulke, who wms some little 
wRvs in the rear of Mr. Rodock, approached Roberts' tavern, 
the crowd ran out to surround him. Some took hold of the 
horse's bridle, while others, among them Captain Ku)'der. 
seized his person. John Fries came up at this moment and 
commanded him to dismount, saying that he desired to speak 
to him, while the surrounding crowd demanded he should be 
pulled off his horse. There was great danger of violent hands 
being laid on him, and he began to be alarmed at his situation. 
At this critical moment, the two Hoovers, John and Jacob, 
came to his assistance, and interfered with the excited multi- 
tude in his behalf. They ordered the mob to desist from their 



32 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

insults, and let Mr. Foulke alone, who would get off his horse 
without any compulsion. They gave the insurgents to under- 
stand the assessors would not be injured while they could pro- 
tect them. Their resolute conduct somewhat silenced the 
crowd. Mr. Foulke deemed it the best policy to comply with 
their demands, inasmuch as he was not in a condition to help 
himself, and therefore rode up to the tavern shed, where he 
dismounted, tied his horse, and went into the house. The 
crowd followed him and soon the bar-room was filled. Now 
Fries reminded him that he had warned him the day before not 
to assess the houses in Milford township, and yet they had done 
so contrary to his orders. He then demanded Foulke's 
papers, which were delivered to Fries, who, after reading, 
carefully returned, them. The assessor was now suffered to 
depart. Fries escorting him through the people to his horse, 
and holding the bridle while he mounted, when he rode off. 
Fries admitted to Foulke that he had violated the law, proba- 
bly enough to endanger his life, and told him that he might 
" return him to the Court if he wanted to do so." 

It will be remembered that Mr. Childs did not accompany 
Rodrock and Foulke into Quakertown, but stopped at the 
edge of it — at the house of Esquire Griffith, who lived where 
Joseph R. Lancaster resided, 1859, where he dismounted 
and went in. As he was getting off his horse, Mrs. Griffith 
came out of the house and told him the people had come to 
make him and the others prisoners, and there was a large crowd 
in the village waiting to catch them. A few moments after he 
entered the house, a little girl came into the room and said 
the insurgents were taking Mr. Foulke, and, upon going to 
the window, saw them all around him. When he saw the 
danger which menaced his companions, he was going out to 
assist them, but the family persuaded him to remain where he 
was, and not place himself in unnecessary danger. In a little 
while John Fries came to the house and saluted Childs in a 
friendly manner, but told him he must accompany him to where 
his men were ; and, as he had not the power to resist, concluded 
he might as well yield with as good grace as possible, and 
thereupon consented to go. As they walked along, Fries said 



THE FRIES REBKLEION. 33 

to Childs he had told him }'e.sterday not to go to another 
house, and now they had come to make him prisoner if they 
found he intended to go on with the assessments. Childs re- 
plied that he and the others were obliged to fulfil their office, 
unless interrupted by force. When they entered the tavern, 
Fries addressed himself to his men and Childs, saying: " Here 
are my men — here is one of them." Going into the bar-room 
he seated himself upon a table and soon there were several 
around him One man damned him and said he should go to 
the liberty pole and dance around it. During this time they 
were crowding upon him and pushing, and he received several 
thumps with the knees and fists. At first he was taken for 
Rodrock, but when it was discovered he was not, they cursed 
him anew for being somebody else. He then made himself known 
as Cephus Childs, when some one remarked he was no better 
than the others. They asked him a multitude of questions 
about the assessments; how the people liked it where he had 
been, whether he had taken the oath of allegiance to the 
United States, &c., &c. That the reader may judge of the 
temper the people were in, we make the following extract 
from the testimony of Mr. Childs, given on the trial: 

"They damned the house tax and the stamp act, and called 
me a 'stampler,' repeatedly; they damned the Alien and Se- 
dition laws, and finally all the laws; the government and all 
the laws the present government had made. They damned 
the Constitution, also. They did not mention what constitu- 
tion, whether of this .State or of the United States. They 
damned the Congress, and damned the President, and all the 
friends to government, because they were all tories, as none 
were friends to the present government but the tories. They 
said they would not have the government, nor the President, 
and they would not live under such a damned government ; 
'we will have Washington;' others said no, 'No, we will 
have Jefferson, he is a better man than Adams; huzzah for 
Jefferson.' " 

Those assembled continued in this strain, and constantly 
expressed themselves as opposed to the law, and their deter- 
mination to resist its execution. They boasted that every 



34 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

man in Northampton county would assist them except a few 
tories, and that between Quakertown and the Delaware, they 
could raise ten thousand men; and further that General Wash- 
ington had sent them word that he had twenty thousand men 
to assist them. Some spoke in German and others in English. 
After John Freis took Mr. Childs into the house, he left him 
among the crowd and went out again, being gone some time. 
When he returned he apologized to him for the manner in 
which his men had used him. He then took him into an in- 
ner room where there were but few people, and demanded his 
assessment papers. He gave him some papers he had about 
him, but which did not refer to the collection of taxes, when 
Fries gave a shout and told his men he had got what they 
wanted. He then went out of the room, most of his men fol- 
lowing him. The crowd were gone but a short time when 
they returned without Fries, shouting, and rushed up to Childs 
and took hold of him. Some were armed with clubs, guns, 
pistols, &c., and others had swords. Daniel Weidner, whose 
house he had assessed in the morning, v/as with them, who in- 
sisted upon Childs surrendering to him the assessment he had 
made of his house, but he did not give it up. They again 
took hold of him and shook him severely ; and one man came 
forward and said he should be shot. Conrad Marks was pres- 
ent armed with a sword, who made many threats, but did not 
attempt to put any of them into execution. Childs attempted 
to reason with them, but it had little if any effect toward paci- 
fying them. During this proceeding. Fries returned into the 
room and gave back the papers to Childs, telling him at the 
same time he must now go home, and never come back again 
into the township to assess, or he would be shot. To this he 
replied that he had left the township with a view of not re- 
turning to it again unless compelled to do so by authority, and 
that, from their present treatment, as he would never be likely 
to come back without such authority, they might have leave 
to shoot him. They then told him they wi'shed him and Mr. 
Foulke to inform the government what had been done, as soon 
as they pleased. After a little more parleying they gave him 
his liberty, when he rode off, glad enough to make his escape 
from such unpleasant comj^any. 



THE FRIES REBELLION, 35 

There is some discrepance, as regards what took place at 
Ouakertown the day the assessors were captured, between the 
records of the transaction and the relation of those wlio have 
a recollection of the event. We had interviews with some of 
the oldest inhabitants of that section upon the subject, and 
find them at variance with the testimony drawn from other 
sources. They state that the assessors were chased to Quak- 
ertown by Fries and his party, and that he snapped his gun 
three times at Mr. Foulke; that the latter sprang from his 
horse at the porch of Enoch Roberts' tavern and ran in, when 
they hid him in the cellar, where he remained concealed until 
ten o'clock, when he was released and ran home. Another 
version has it that he was hid under the counter in the bar- 
room, and that Fries hunted all through the house, but was 
unable to find him; that they got Fries, Haney and Getman 
drunk, when Foulke stole out and went home. Still another 
story is that he was kept confined in a stable, and that Mr. 
Childs was sent to inform his wife, but was afraid to go into 
the house, and walked in the yard until ten o clock at night, 
when Foulke came home. These statements differ so widely, 
from the evidence given on the trial, we have thought it best 
to follow the testimony, believing that to be the nearest cor- 
rect, because it was related under oath soon after the events 
happened. One circumstance is told by those who remember 
the difficulty, which seems so reasonable it is probabl)' true ; 
that a man named Everhart pointed his gun at P'oulke, while 
they had him imprisoned at the tavern, but was so drunk he 
fell over while doing so. l"hey afterward examined the gun, 
and found that the ball had been put in the bottom, and the 
powder on top. 

The circumstances which took place at Ouakertown decided 
the assessors to make no further attempt to take assessments 
in Milford, as they were convinced it would lead to difficulty, 
and, possibly, bloodshed. In other parts of the county the 
law was quietly acquiesced in, and the officers discharged their 
duty peaceably, but it was, nevertheless, very unpopular and 
odious. For the time being, Fries and his friends had pre- 
vented the execution of the law in the disaffected district, but 



36 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

as far as we have been able to learn, no public outrages were 
committed, and their only desire seemed to be to prevent the 
officers, by intimidation, from making the assessments. 

The foregoing embraces the proceedings of the insurrection- 
ists, or insurgents, while opposing the execution of the house 
tax law in Milford. It will be noticed their whole conduct 
was of that earnest character which marks the actions of men 
who are sincere in what they are doing. While there was, 
naturally, considerable noise and confusion attendant upon 
their conduct, and high excitement prevailing, there was no 
unnecessary disturbance, and nothing that can properly be 
called violence. Rude they were, but not to an extent to 
create a breach of the peace. We have every reason to believe 
they considered the law of the most oppressive character, and 
their minds had probably been inflamed against it by the mis- 
representation of others. This opinion had been formed be- 
fore they had an opportunity to learn its provisions and opera- 
tions, and they were afterward either too much prejudiced, or 
their pride would not permit them, to be rightly informed. 
The law of itself was a mild one, and no one who examines it 
at this day can see anything in it to cause such opposition to 
it. The rates were light, and the burden of the tax fell upon 
the shoulders of those who were the best able to bear it. 
There was likewise a public necessity for that or a similar Act 
of Congress, and it was necessary that the revenue should be in- 
creased, as there was every probability of the government being 
driven into a war with one of the most powerful nations of 
Europe. The situation of the politics of the country had 
something to do with the opposition that was raised against 
the law. But recently, before their passage, the two statutes 
known as the Alien and Sedition Laws had passed Congress, 
which were received with a burst of indignation that had never 
been equaled in the country. They brought the administra- 
tion of Mr. Adams into great unpopularity, if not detestation. 
The odium that rested upon these laws was reflected upon the 
house tax, and thus it was condemned in advance because it 
was found in bad company. Many honest people believed 
that an Act of Congress taxing the country, emanating from 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 37 

the same government which had given them the Alien and 
Sedition Laws, must naturally be a wicked one, and, they were 
so well convinced of this, they were not open to persuasion to 
the contrary. Another circumstance, in connection with the 
manner in which the law was executed, had something to do 
with its great unpopularity. The officers exceeded their du- 
ties, and went beyond their instructions. The assessors were 
only required, by law, to assess the hcniscs, lauds and slaves, 
and were not directed to count the window lights of the 
houses, which was a duty superadded by the officers who had 
charge of affairs. The fact of the window lights being counted 
created suspicion in the minds of the people that it was done 
for the purpose of making them the subject of future taxation. 
This, more than anything else, led to the meetings held by the 
people, and, notwithstanding the unpopularity of the measure, 
there would probably never have been any " insurrection " or 
outbreak, had the assessors confined themselves to the duties 
which the law required of them. The abuse of the law had 
probably more to do with causing the disturbance than the 
law itself. 




fhe I'riel Rebellion. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Oppositicrn to the- Mouse- Tais Let^sr in 
Northampton. 

Having" recounted, in the preceeding chapter, the opposition 
to the House Tax Law in Bucks county, and the disturbance 
growing out of it, we shall now proceed to show what took 
place in Northampton. 

It will be remembered that Jacob Eyerley was appointed 
commissioner for a district composed of the counties of North- 
ampton,* Luzerne^ and Wayne.' As soon as the law was 
passed, the people of Northampton manifested so much oppo- 
sition to it, Commissioner Eyerley believed there would 
be difificulty in carrying it out. This was before he had en- 
tered upon the discharge of his duties. While at Reading, in 
October, he was informed by the commissioner from Bucks, 
that he had seen persons who had traveled through that coun- 
ty, and in every tavern he stopped at, the law was the subject 
of general conversation and denunciation, and great pains were 
taken to find the friends of government, in order to pursuade 
them not to accept the ofifice of assessor. In consequence of 
this feeling there was great difficulty in finding suitable per- 
sons for these appointments. He selected one in each town- 
ship, taking the most suitable for the duties, from all the in- 

1 Northampton county was cut off from Bucks, 1752. 

2 Luzerne county was cut off from Northumberland, by Act of September 25, 1786, and 
so named in honor of the Chevelier De la Luzerne, then French Minister to the United 
States. Its original territory embraced 5000 square miles, but its present area is but 
1427. A portion of the celebrated Wyoming Valley lies within it. 

3 Wayne county was organized by the Act of March 21, 1798, out of a portion of North- 
ampton, and named after General Anthony Wayne. The original area was 1300 square 



miles. 



(38) 



THE FRTES REBELLIOX, 



39 



formation he could get. Commissions were immediately sent 
them, with notice to meet the commissioner to receive instruc- 
tions. At that time the commissioner did not believe the 
state of things was as bad in Northampton as he afterward 
found it to be. The disaffection in Bucks had spread over the 
line into some of the neighboring tov^niships of the adjoininct 
county, and the people had become as hostile to the tax as 
Fries and his neighbors. 

Commissioner Eyerley divided Northampton into three dis- 
tricts and first met the assessors November 3, at Nazareth'. 
Two were absent, and some of those present asked to be ex- 
cused from serving, on account of the hostility of the people 
and the assessors fear of injury. As the commissioner had 
no authority to relieve them they were not excused. Findin<T 
them misinformed of the nature and operation of the law 
the commissioner took great pains to disabuse their minds, 
and, with such success, they consented to serve, and were 
given instructions. The following day he met the assessors of 
the second district at Allentown,"* all being present but one. 
The same difficulty met him here he had to contend with at 
Nazareth, disinclination to accept for the same reason, oppo- 
sition of the people to the law, and fear of being assaulted, 
should they attempt to make the assessments. With a 
good deal of difficulty those present were induced to accept 
the appointments. As it was taken for granted the absent 
assessor, a Mr. Home, did not intend to accept, a blank com- 
mission was left with Mr. Balliott, a prominent resident of the 
county, with authority to appoint some suitable man in place 
of Mr. Home. The assessors of the first district were met 
November 6, in Chestnut Hill township, with two absentees. 

■• Nazareth, a village of a few hundred inhabitants, in Northampton county, ten miles 
from Bethlehem, was founded by the Moravians, 1775. The first house erected was a 
spacious stone mansion for the residence of Count Zingendorf. The building was con- 
verted into a school, 1785, and, from that time, known as' " Nazareth Hall," a cele- 
brated boarding school for boys. 

^ AUentown was laid out by James Allen, 1762, after whom it was named, and 
called Northampton until 1838, when the present name was adopted. It is the county 
seat of Lehigh, and situated on the right bank of the Lehigh river. It is one of the most 
beautiful inland cities in the State. 



40 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

One of these was a Mr. Kearne, of Easton," but as it was not 
convenient for him to accept, he named a Mr. Snyder, who 
was only commissioned. He met with the others the same 
day; accepted the appointment and served. lie stated there 
was much opposition to the law in his section of the county, 
and he did not understand it very well himself, but would do 
the best he could. The commissioner took considerable pains 
to explain the provisions of the law, which entirely satisfied 
him. He now became quite warm in its favor, and said he 
would ride fifty miles if it were necessary to accept the ap- 
pointment, since he had been wrongly informed, about the law 
in the first place. The assessor from Hamilton township did 
not seem willing to accept his appointment, and it required a 
good deal of explanation and persuasion to overcome his dis- 
inclination. He at last consented, however, accepted his com- 
mission, and received his instructions. 

In Northampton county the principal part of the opposition 
to the law was in the townships of Heidelberg, VVeisenberg, 
Lynn, Low Hill, Penn, Moore, Upper Milford and Hamilton. 
In four districts it was of such violent character the law 
was not executed until after the troops were marched into 
them, and, in some of them, the people were almost unani- 
mous against it. In Moore township, the opposition was only 
among a portion of the inhabitants, and, when the assessor 
was opposed when making the assessment, he called a town 
meeting and took the sense of the people. The assessor of 
Penn township did not meet the commissioners, but refused 
to accept the appointment in view of the difficulties in his 
way. Some time elapsed before any one could be found wil- 
ling to accept the office, but, finally, one bold enough to as- 
sume the responsibility, i)resented himself and he was com- 
missioned and qualified. When the people of the township 

" Easton, the seat of justice of Northampton county, situated at the confluence of the 
Delaware and Lehigh, at what was known as " Forks of Delaware," was laid out by 
William Parsons, 1752. A ferry was established here as early as 1739, by David 
Martin, of Trenton, N. J., at which time a few log houses were standing on the present 
site of the town. A jail was completed, 1755, and the first court house erected, 
1766. Easton has been the county seat since the organization of the county, 1752. It 
is tile seat of Lafayette College, chartered, 1826. 



THE FRIES REBELLIOK. 4I 

heard that another person had been appointed in place of the 
one first named, and had undertaken to discharge the duties 
of the office, they became very violent and threatened him 
with personal injury. The leaders of the opposition collected 
a number of the disaffected into a mob, who waited upon 
the assessor, and gave him to understand harm would be done 
him if he attem[)ted to take the rates. This demonstration 
intimidated him to such degree he resigned, and declined to 
have anything more to do with it. The hostility to the law 
continued so great in this townshi[), the assessments were 
not made until sometime late in the spring of 1 799, and after 
the presence of a military force had completely quelled every- 
thing like opposition. 

The spirit of insubordination first manifested itself a little 
while before the general election, when meetings were held in 
different parts of the county to take action upon the subject. 
At one of these meetings the officers of the militia were in- 
vited to be present, and their co-operation, as the leaders of 
the military of the country, was earnestly desired. The lead- 
ing object was to nominate candidates opposed to the law. At 
this meeting several resolutions were passed, one recommend- 
ing the circulation of petitions asking a repeal of the Alien 
and Sedition Laws and the land tax. The proceedings were 
published in the newspapers and circulated among the people. 
A petition was given to each of the captains of militia to get 
signers. On the day of election the p-eople turned out very 
generally, and, in most of the districts, the ()])position to the 
government was so general, its friends dare not say a word in 
its favor for fear of being abused. The anti-administration 
candidates were elected, by considerable majorities, and the 
people, generally, rejoiced at their success. 

In Hamilton township, the people were so much enraged at 
Nicholas Michael, the assessor, for accepting the appointment, 
they went in large numbers to his house at night to do him 
bodily injury, but, being informed of their intention, he sought 
safety in flight. The next day he went to the commissioner 
and made complaint of the treatment he had received, ten- 
dered his resignation, and begged its acceptance. This was 



42 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

declined; he was told to return to his duty, and he would be 
protected in the discharge of it. He accompanied the com- 
missioner to Easton, to see Mr. Sitgreaves, the United States 
Attorney for the district, before whom he intended to make 
afifidavit in order to have some of the evil-disposed placed un- 
der arrest. Mr. Sitgreaves not being at home, they went to 
Judge Traill,' an associate judge of the county; but, when 
they arrived there, Michael became alarmed and begged to be 
allowed until the next morning to consider the matter; say- 
ing, that if he informed against the people, he and his family 
would be ruined. Tn the morning he wished to be put in jail 
to be kept from danger, so great were his fears, but his request 
was not complied with. 

In the present state of excitement the commissioner deemed 
it advisable to call a public meeting, at which the people 
could come together and have the law explained to them, as 
he was of opinion, the greater part of the opposition arose 
from a misconception of its provisions. With this object in 
view, he gave Mr. Michael a letter to take to the constable of 
the township, requesting him to fix the time and place for 
the meeting, and to give proper and timely notice thereof. 
Mr. Eyerley promised to be present to explain the law to such 
as did not understand it. The constable, accordingly, an- 
nounced the meeting to be held at the public house of a Mr. 
Heller, and the time fixed was a few days before New Year's, 
but we have not been able to ascertain the precise day. The 
commissioner was present according to promise, being accom- 



' Robert Traill was born on one of the Orkney Islands, April 29, 1744, and was the 
son of a clergyman. He came lo America, 1763, reaching Philadelphia the 25th of De- 
cember. He shortly went to Easton where he was occupied in a store, taught school a 
year; then studied law, and was admitted to the bar, 1777. He took an active part in the 
Revolution, and was Secretary of the County Committee of Safety from 1776 to 1778; 
was appointed a justice of the peace, 1777, and military storekeeper at Easton, March 
II, 1778. He was sheriff of the county from 1781 to 1784; member of the Assembly 
for the sessions of 1785-86; member of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania, 
1786-88; and was commissioned one of the Associate Judges of Northampton, holding 
the office from May 14, 1796, to January 22, 1798, when he resigned. Judge Traill died 
at Easton, July 31, 1816. He filled a large space in public estimation, exerted a wide in- 
infiuence and was distinguished for his probity of character. His descendants, in the 
female line, live at Easton, one of them being Dr. Traill Green. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 43 

panied into the township by William Henry/ one ol the Asso- 
ciate Judges of Northampton. When they arrived at the 
place of meeting they found some seventy persons assembled, 
aniong them three or four in unifoim, whose arms were 
stacked behind the tavern door. After the meeting was or- 
ganized, Mr. Eyerie}' arose and stated that he had come there 
as tlieir friend, to explain the house tax l.nv, that they might 
no longer be in ignorance of its provisions. He and Judge 
Henry then proceeded to explain the statutes as the}' under- 
stood tliem, but with little effect, as the peoi)le were not dis- 
posed to listen to any explanation that would be likely to give 
them a more favorable opinion of the odious kiw. The}' hated 
it, and did not wish to think well of it. In order to reconcile 
the people, to the assessment of the rates, he proposed they 
should elect an assessor of their own ; this tliey refused to 
do, saying, if the}' did, it would amount to submission to the 
law, which they did not mean to make. The assessor already 
appointed was anxious to resign, but this he was not allowed 
to do, as no one could be found who would accept the ap- 
pointment in his place. 

In Upper Milford," the people opposed to the law held a 
township meeting and appointed a committee of three to wait 
upon the assessor when he should begin thr a<sc-<sment, and 
request him to desist; and cdiiuit the last of U.'Ccmber, when 
he began the work, he was met by this committee and in- 
formed he could not proceed. No violence was offered, but 
he was given to understand he would not be permitted to 
carry out the law. He immediately wrote the commissioner 



>* William Henry, son of Williatn ami Ann Henry, was burn at Lancaster, Pa., March 
12, 1757. In 1778 lie enf:;aged in the mannfacture of fire-ainis in Northampton county, 
and in kSo8 erected a forge in which the first iron manufactured in the county was drawn 
March 9, iSog. In 1813 he built the Boulton Gini Worlds on the Bushkill, which 
are still continued by his descendants of the name. Mr. Henry was commissioned Janu- 
ary 14, 1788, a justice of the peace and Judge of the Courts of Common I'leas and Quar- 
ter Sessions of the county. He resigned 1814. In 1792 he was elected one of the Presi- 
dential electors of the State and cast his vote for Washington for President. He removed 
to Philadelphia, 1818, where he died April 21, 1821. 

" Upper Milford, a township of Lehigh county, but originally in Rucks until North- 
ampton was cut off, was organized, 17,58. There were two Milfords, L'i)i)er and Lower, 
the former falling in Northampton on the division of Bucks, 1752. Cjermai s settled hcie 
in the first quarter of the last century. 



44 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

informing him' of the situation of affairs, and asked adv^'ce as 
to the course to be pursued. The latter again thought it ad- 
visable to have a public meeting called, at which he would 
make another effort to explain the law to the people, and en- 
deavor to satisfy them with its provisions. He directed the 
assessor to give notice to John Schymer, Moretz and other 
leading men of the township, that he would meet them at such 
time and place as they might appoint. The place fixed upon 
was the house of Mr. Schymer, date not known. When the 
time arrived the commissioner ;:et out for the place of meet- 
ing, accompanied by Judge Henry, and, when he arrived within 
four miles of it, he was met by a friend who advised him not 
to attend, saying the people were so violent his life would be 
endangered, but he disregarded the warning and kept on. He 
found some 75 men assembled at the house of Schymer, sev- 
eral of them having French cockades in their hats, showing 
very plainly which side they took in politics. 

One of the petitions, which a previous meeting had recom- 
mended should be circulated for signatures, was handed the 
commission who read it to the people. Sorrte of them, upon 
hearing it, said it was not such a petition as they had been led 
to believe it was, as it mentioned nothing about the stamp 
act. As there was a report in circulation that the act was not 
in force, Mr. Eyerley read it in German, and explained to them 
it was their duty to submit to it. One, George .Shaeffer, deny- 
ing that it was a law, the question was submitted to the de- 
cision of Mr. Schymer, who, being a justice of the peace, had 
considerable influence over the minds of the people. Shaeffer 
was inclined to be noisy and created a disturbance, and he and 
others used abusive language to the assessor, Mr. Heckcweld- 
er,'° accusing him, among other things, of having been a tory 
during the Revolution. Mr. Eyerley proposed that inasmuch 
as they were opposed to the present assessor, he would give 
them the privilege of electing one of their own number, to 
whom he would give the appointment. This they declined, 

1" Heckewelder, ^^ ho lived at Emaus, now in Lehigh county, was appointed one of the 
assessors for Upper Milford cr Salisbury, probably the latter. He was doubtless a son, 
or grandson, of Heckewelder, the Moravian divine. 



THE FRIES REBELLION 45 

sayinj^: "We will do no such thing; if we do, we at once ac- 
knowledge that we submit to the law, and that is what we will 
not do." Three of the Shaeffers made demonstrations to beat 
Heckewelder, but were deterred by the interference of others, 
and he was allowed to go away without injury. The commis- 
sioner, even with the countenance of Mr. Schymer and several 
other well disposed persons present, found it impossible to 
reconcile the multitude to the law, and he returned home a 
second time without having effected an}'thing. The oppo- 
sition to the law in this township, likewise, was not overcome 
until the presence of troops intimidated them into submission, 
when the rates were taken without further trouble. 

Resistance to the enforcement of the law had now reached 
that stage it became necessary for the authorities to take 
some notice of it. About January 15, 1799, Judge Henry, at 
the request of Commissioner Eyerley, and upon complaint of 
the assessors that they found it impossible to proceed in the 
execution of their duty, issued a number of subpcenas to bring 
persons, cognizant of the opposition to the execution of the 
laws, before him that he might make a careful examination of 
the cause of complaint and ascertain its truth. The witnesses 
who appeared were generally very reluctant to give informa- 
tion, being afraid the insurgents would do them some injury. 
The Judge made appointment to meet a nun.ber of persons at 
Trexlertown," to inquire fuither into the matter, and a con- 
sideral)le crowd assembled. Among those present was pait of 
a company of light horse under Captain Jarrett.'" The men 
were mostly in uniform, and many of them noisy and impu- 
dent. The Judge was attended by the commissioner and Mr. 
Balliott. They, who were present, paid little respect to the 
officers but ridiculed, and made fun of them. F"rom the indi- 
cations at this meeting, it was evitlent the disturbance could 
not be quelled by the local officers, and it was thought best to 

" Trexlertown, in Lehigh county, but, at that time, in Northampton, is a small post 
village, eight miles from AUentown, on the Catasauqua and Fogelsville railway. It is 
in a rich agricultural region. 

'■■' Although Captain Jarrett was evidently a man of some prominence in the communi- 
ty, we have not been able to obtain any information concerning him beyond that found in 
the text. The company he commanded was a local volunteer organization. Henry Jar- 
rett, probably a relative, commanded a troop of light horse at Marcus Hook, 1814. 



46 THE FRIES REBELLION". 

appeal to the Federal authority. The steps now about to be 
taken changed the aspect of affairs. Hitherto, it was consid- 
ered but a local disaffection to a law of questionable expedi- 
ency, and improperly understood, and which, in due time, 
would subside and be heard of no more. Down to this point 
it had hardly attracted public attention outside of the rural 
districts where the opposition was made, and neither State nor 
Federal Government had given it consideration. It now as- 
sumed National importance, and what shortly before, was un- 
worthy the attention of politicians or statesmen, became a 
matter of great moment. The action of Judge Henry was the 
incipient step that changed the affair to an insurrection, and 
converted the opponents of the house-tax law^ into insurgents 
and traitors to their country. 

Mr. Sitgreaves, United States District Attorney, was sent a 
number of the depositions he had caused to be taken to Judge 
Peters," of the United States District Court, Philadelphia. 
This was some time in February, and the first ofTficial informa- 
tion the Judge received on the subject, although he had be- 
fore heard of it as a matter of news. He exam.ined a few wit- 
nesses in addition to the affidavits, and, from the facts elicited, 
thought it his duty to issue warrants for the parties. Being 
much engaged he directed the District Attorney to draw up 
the form of warrants for his approval and signature. It had 
been decided, that, in order to ease the minds of the people, 
the warrants should be drawn in the nature of an order for the 
defendant to appear before some justice of the peace, or judge 
of the county, and give bail for appearance at the Cncuit 
Court of the United State--, but circumstances prevented it. 
After this had been decided upon, it came to the know ledge 
of the authorities that several of the magistrates themselves 
were disaffected, and others were prevented doing their duty 
through fear of injury. The Judge also had scruples as to the 
legality of the measure, whether persons, arrested on his w;;r- 
rants, could be taken before an inferior magistrate While his 

13 Richard Peters was born in Philadelphia, 1744; admitted to the bar, 1763; ap- 
pointed a Justice of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Penn- 
sylvania, 1792, and died on the Bench, 1828, after continued service of 36 years. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



47 



mind was in doubt, he received additional information of the 
state of the people in the disaffected districts, and this induced 
him, both to make a change in the form of the warrants and 
the procedure under it. The warrants were now to be made 
returnable to Judge Peters' Court. 




The ^m^ Rebellion. 



CHAPTER V. 

The Marst\al N4 cities Arrests in NortlT^arn ptor^. 

When the form of the warrants was agreed upon, they were 
made out and put into the hands of Colonel Nichols,' United 
States Mar.slial, to be served. This was about January 25, 
and the Marshal was directed to proceed to Northampton 
county immediately and make the arrests. lie left Philadel- 
phia on the 26th, serving a few subpoenas on the road, in or- 
der to collect evidence, reaching Nazareth on Maich 1st. 
Here the Marshal met Commissioner Eyerley, and told 
him of the object of his visit, requesting him to go with 
him to serve the warrants executed. Those placed in his hands 
being only for the arrest of persons in Northampton county. 
The next morning, accompanied by Eyerley, and Eyerman, the 
Marshal set out to execute the warrants. They went first 
into Lehigh township, where twelve were arrested, all against 
Avhom they had process, but five others came in afterward and 
gave themselves up. Their offence being resistence to the ex- 
ecution of the house-tax law. They then returned to Bethle- 
hem, where they were met by Colonel Balliott. 

The Marshal's party next went to Macungie township, 
where they had no difificulty until they came to the house of 
George Snyder, near Emaus,^ on whom the Marshal wished 
to serve a subpoena. Snyder and his wife used abusive 



1 Samuel Nichols was appointed U. S. Marshal of Pennsylvania, April lo, 1795 ; 
qualified May i8th, and confirmed June 26th. He served one term of four years ; was 
reappointed durinjj a recess of the Senate, June 26th, 1799, and succeeded, Dec. 6th, 
1799, by John Hall. The State had not yet been divided into two districts. His county 
is not given. 

2 Emaus is a small town, lying at the foot of South Mountain, five miles south- 
east of Allentown, on the East Penn. railroad. The Moravians organized a church here, 
1747, the house in which they worshipped being built as early as 1742. 

(48) 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 49 

language toward them, the woman taking the lead. The 
husband came out of his house with a club, and positively re- 
fused to receive the subpoena. He called the Marshal and the 
men with him rascals and highway robbers, and, upon being 
told he was only wanted to go to Philadelphia as a witness, he 
refused with an oath. The Marshal finding he could do noth- 
ing with him requested Daniel Swartz's son to read and ex- 
plain the subpoena to him, and leaving it with him to be served 
if it were possible. Thence they proceeded to Millarstown,' 
a few miles' distant. On the road they stopped at the house 
of the Rev. Mr. VanBuskirk," where they left their horses and 
walked into the town. The Marshal had a warrant for George 
Shaeffer, active in opposing the law, and to whose house they 
next proceeded to arrest him, but he was not at home. Not meet- 
ing with success in this case they went to the tavern, where a 
considerable number of people had assembled. 

They now made an attempt to arrest a man named Shank- 
wyler, who also lived in Millarstown. The Marshal and Com- 
missioner walked over to his house, leaving Mr. Eyerman at 

3 Millarstown, now called Macungie, signifying " the feeding place of bears," and laid 
out by Peter Millar about 1776, is situated at the foot of South Mountain on the East 
Penn. railroad, nine miles from Allentown. It was incorporated in 1857. 

* Jacob VanP.uskirk, a native of Holland, settled with his family on a tract lie pur- 
chased in Lower Macungie township, Lehigh county, November 19, 1784. The borough 
of Macungie now occupies the same land. I do not know the maiden name of his wife, 
but she was a sister of the great-grandmother of the late General Hartranft. He preached 
for the Lehigh Church at Germantown, and at the Trappe, visiting his congregations on 
horseback. He built, and, for several years operated, the tannery at Macungie, owned by 
his great-grandson, James Singmaster. He had three sons and four daughters; George 
became a physician, and settled at Pottstown; Jacob removed to New York State, where 
he died; John, the third son, settled in Virginia, afterward came to Philadelphia and 
kept an hotel. He married a Miss Eckhart, of Berks county. Of the daughters, Lydia 
married Adam Singmaster, of Millarstown, and, after his death, Daniel Good, of Upper 
Milford; another married John Shimer, of Shimersville, Northampton county, E. S. 
• Shimer, Mayor of Allentown, being a grand-son. Mr. VanBuskirk was an ardent sup- 
' porter of John Adams' Administration, and, during the excitement of the " Fries Rebel- 
lion," 1798, an attempt was made on his life. While sitting at home, surrounded by his 
family, a bullet was sent crashing through the window, but he luckily escaped injury. He 
was buried at North Wales, and his wife at the Lehigh Church. Adam Singmaster, who 
married the daughter Lydia, was a descendant, probably a son, of John Adam Zang- 
miester, who came from Wurtumburg in the good ship , " Patience," Hugh Steelmaster, 
September 19, 1749, and settled in Bucks county. Adam, when a young man, went to 
Millarstown, where he obtained employment in Rev. Jacob VanBuskirk's family, and 
afterward married the daughter. 



50 THE frip:s rebellion. 

the tavern. They had not intimated they desired to ar- 
rest him, but when they left the tavern the people suspected 
their intention and followed them in a crowd to the number 
of about fifty. They went in advance of the officers, and, 
reaching the house before them, filled the large room. When 
the Marshal arrived a friend pointed out Shankwyler to Col. 
Nichols, but observing what was going on, he withdrew into 
the crowd, with the intention of hiding himself from view; 
but the Marshal followed him, and, putting his hand upon 
his shoulder, informed him he was a prisoner, in the name of 
the United States, announcing himself as the United States 
Marshal for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Shank- 
wyler, having no idea of being captured without some resist- 
ance, broke loose from the Marshal and fled toward the barn. 
He proclaimed he would not injure the Marshal, but made 
threats against Eyerley and Balliott, toward whom he mani- 
fested great hostility. The people became much excited at 
this proceeding, and many cried out in German, "Strike! 
Strike!" Some said if he were taken out of his house they 
would fight as long as they had a drop of blood in their 
bodies. They seemed inclined to lay violent hands upon 
Balliott, and one of the crowd presumed to pull the cockade 
from his hat. The Marshal warned them of the consequences 
of their attempting to strike, and reasoned with them upon 
their riotous conduct. Finding that himself and companions 
were in danger, the Marshal unbuttoned his coat, that the 
people might see a pair of jDistols he had with him, and also in 
order that he might be able to grasp them quickly, should he 
find it necessary to use them. The determined manner of the 
Marshal had its effect, and the crowd became quieter. Shank- 
wyler refused to accompany the Marshal to Bethlehem, and 
swore he would resist the authorities of the United States, let 
the consequences be what they might. He was told such a 
course would ruin himself and family, and be the destruction 
of his property, to wliich he replied that his father had fought 
against the stamp act, and he would resist the tax law which 
was supported by none but tories and the friends of government. 
At last he was prevailed upon to promise to meet the Mar- 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 5 1 

shal at Rcthlchem, but coultl not be induced to sa\' that he 
would submit or surrender himself. Seein<T that nothin<^>- 
further could be accomplished there, the officers took their 
leave. As they left the house the people set up a shout and 
hurrahed for " Liberty." The Marshal now continued on his 
round-^. He procured a constable to show him where Adam 
Stephen, Herman H.irtman, and Daniel Everl}% for whom he 
had warrants, lived. Having arrested these persons he and 
his party returned to Bethlehem, where they arrived on the 
evening of March 6. Bethlehem was his headcpiarters, and 
here he had his prisoners confined. 

Bethlehem, the place of confinement of the Marshal's 
prisoners, was such an important point at that day it will not 
do to pass it by with a mere mention of its name, but deserves 
something more. It stands on the north bank of the Lehigh, 
Northampton county, twelve mdles above where the river 
empties into the Delaware. Here was made the first permanent 
settlement of the Moravians in North America. The first 
tree was felled on the spot where Bethlehem stands Dec. 22, 
1740, by a small party from Nazareth. The cold was intense, 
the snow lay deep on the ground ; and through the winter 
they encountered many privations and hardships. By the 
opening of spring a small log house was completed. On Sep- 
tember 8, 1 741, the corner-stone of a second, and much more 
commodious, house, was laid with interesting religious cere- 
monies. The first house stood until 1823, when it was torn 
down to make room for the Eagle Hotel stables; but the 
second has weathered the storms of nearly one hundred and 
sixty years, and still stands as a monument of the founding of 
Bethlehem. The first tree to build the first house was cut 
down by David Nitschman, who was born in Moravia, Sep- 
tember 18, 1676, and died at Bethlehem, April 14, 1758. He 
was the first bishop of the brethren in America, and officiated 
at the laying of the corner-stone of the second building in 
1741. 

A recent writer speaking of this interesting building says : 
"Here, as in a common home, lived, side-by-side, the artisan 
and man of leisure — a little company met together from the 



52 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

various walks of life, self-denying and devoted men, actuated 
by one spirit, and that the spirit of mutual love for Christ. 
Here lived for a number of years the elders of the congrega- 
tion, its bishdps and ministers. Here they met in conference 
to deliberate on the condition of the Lord's work in their 
midst, and abroad among the Indian tribes. Its walls have 
echoed to the voice of Zinzendorf,^ and, for fifteen years was 
the home of that great and good man, the worthy Bishop 
Spangenberg." In the little hall on the second floor, the place 
of worship for the congregation as late as 175 1, Spangenberg 
presided on two occasions at interviews with deputations from 
the rude tribes of Wyoming Valley.' Nanticokes and Shaw- 
nese, dressed in all their savage finery of feathers and painted 
deerskin, had come to see the home of the intrepid mission- 
ary, whose lonely canoe they had encountered on the upper 
waters of the Susquehanna, to smoke the friendly pipe, and 
assure him of their good-will in a covenant of peace and mu- 
tual friendship." 

^ Count Zinzendorf, founder of the Moravian Colony north of the Lehigh, and descend- 
ed of a noble Austrian family, was born at Dresden, Saxony, May 26, 1700. He was 
educated ar Halle and the University of Wittenberg, and afterward spent some time in 
traveling. He was married in 1732 to the Countess Von Reuss, and became a convert to 
the Moravian faith shortly afterward. He landed at New York, December 2, 1741, 
reaching Philadelphia the loth, and Bethlehem the 24th. He immediately became an 
object of general interest and was recognized as the head of the Moravian movement 
lately initiated in the province. In June, 1742, he organized the Moravian congregation 
at Bethlehem, and preached his farewell sermon at Philadelphia, December 31, leaving 
the same evening for New Yark to embark for Europe, where he died May 9, 1760. He 
was accompanied to America by his daughter Benigna. 

' Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, a bishop of the Unitas Fratrum, or Moravian Church, 
was born at Klettenberg, Prussia, July 15, 1704, and died at Bershelsdorf, Saxony, Septem- 
ber 18, 1792. He graduated at Jena, where he later became a professor, and also at Halle. 
In 173s he led the first Moravian colonists to Georgia. Having been appointed to preside 
over the Moravian Churches in America, he was raised to the episcopalcy in 1744 and 
arrived at Bethlehem, Pa., the same year. In 1760 he was recalled to Europe to take a 
seat in the Supreme Board of the Church over which body he presided twenty-three years. 
He may justly be called the founder of the Moravian Church in America. He was a 
learned theologian, a man of great power, and a writer of many historical and theological 
works. 

' The Wyoming Valley, so famous in history and song, lies along the Susquehanna, 
and spreads about Wilkesbarre, the county seat of Luzerne. In it took place the bloody 
massacre of its inhabitants by Indians, in 1778, and avenged in 1779 by an army under 
General Sullivan. Campbell's "Gertrude of Wyoming" has made this valley almost as 
famous as the Vale of Cashmers. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 53 

Bethlehem was originally intended as a place of rendezvous 
for the missionaries among the Delaware and Mohican In- 
dians, which it held for twenty years, but, at the end of that 
time, became the seat of the Moravian congregation, organ- 
ized by Count Zinzendorf. A school for girls was opened as 
early as 1749, but the boarding school was not commenced 
until 1785, and is still in operation. 

During the Revolutionary War Bethlehem ivas often visited 
by American troops, and upon more than one occasion the 
brethren were sufferers from military exactions. On the re- 
treat of Washington through New Jersey, December, 1776, 
Lee's divison, under the command of General Sullivan, after 
crossing the Delaware, came to this place, where it encamped 
on the 17th, and La Fayette spent some time there to recover 
from the wound received at Brandywine. 

In the spring of 1778, the single Sisters presented to Count 
Pulaski an elegant embroidered banner, which was borne at 
the head of his regiment until he fell at Savannah, 1779. Beth- 
lehem was also visited by the Baron De Kalb, September, 
1777. Hospitals were established there for the sick and 
wounded of the army, and it was also made a depot for pro- 
visions; and, in fact, during the whole war it was an import- 
ant point in military operations. Washington styled the 
weaving department of Sisters House, " the first domestic 
manufactories of the land," and from there supplied himself 
and wife with articles of wearing apparel. 

The situation of Bethlehem is beautiful and romantic in 
the extreme, and nature and art combined have rendered it 
one of the most charming spots in the country. It has grown 
into a town of some 10,000 inhabitants, and become an im- 
portant business centre. Two railroads and a canal give the 
inhabitants great facilities for trade, and manufactories are 
rapidly growing up around it. The influx of strangers has 
done away with much of the exclusive Moravian impress 
formerly stamped upon the town, but the spirit of their insti- 
tutions still prevails to a great extent, and may be said to be 
the governing influence. 



54 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

The arrest of the persons for whom warrants were issued, 
and their confinement at Bethlehem by the Marshal, caused 
unusual excitement throughout the country. It created great 
indignation in the disaffected districts of Northampton and 
Bucks, and was considered an act of tyranny and oppression 
on the part of the government. As soon as it became known 
the arrests were made, the leaders of the opposition to the law 
determined to rescue them, if possible. For the purpose of 
consulting on the subject, a meeting was called at the public 
house of Conrad Marks', Milford, Bucks county, on March 
7. Notices were carried around the evening before -and left 
at the houses of those known to be friendly to the movement. 
By ten o'clock a number of people had assembled, and con- 
siderable excitement was manifested. The general sentiment ■ 
was in favor of immediate organization and marching to Beth- 
lehem to take the prisoners from the hands of the Marshal. 
The crowd was formed in a company, and John Fries elected 
captain. They were variously armed ; some with guns, others 
with swords and pistols, while those with less belligerent feel- 
ings, carried clubs. Subsequently, when Fries was examined 
before Judge Peters, he said his "motive in going to Bethle- 
hem to rescue the prisoners was not from personal attachment, 
or regard for any of the persons who had been arrested, but 
proceeded from a general aversion to the law, and an inten- 
tion to impede and prevent its execution." This reason, how- 
ever, hardly explains their course, under the circumstances. 
Their plan was first to march to Millarstown and thence to 
Bethlehem. 

The people of Northampton, meanwhile, had also taken ac- 
tion in reference to a rescue of the prisoners. A meeting to 

8 Conrad Marks' tavern was in Milford township, Bucks county, near where the four 
corners of Bucks, Montgomery, Berks and Lehigh come together. His petition for 
license, in the Quarter Sessions office, was to August term, 1796, in which he states he 
had removed to the well-known tavern on the Magunshey (Macungie) road in said town- 
ship of Milford, formerly occupied by George Horlacker," also that the house had been 
"kept as such above forty years." His endorsers were David Spinner and George Hor- 
lacker. For many years the house was known as Geary's tavern. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 55 

consult on the subject was called at the tavern of Martin Rit- 
ter,'' to meet at 10 o'clock, on the morning of March 7. No- 
tice was also giv^en for two or three companies of light horse 
to meet there at the same time, one of which was commanded 
by Captain Jarrett."" 

At the hour appointed a considerable number of persons 
were on the ground, and much noise, confusion and excite- 
ment prevailed. Upon the meeting being organized, and a 
conference had about the matter, that had brought them to- 
gether, it was unanimously resolved to march for Bethlehem 
without delay. The strength of the party which marched for 
that place we have no means of knowing, as the records do not 
give it. Soon after starting they selected a commander, the 
choice falling upon Andrew Shiffert. There were a few pres- 
ent who qutstioned the pro[)riety of the movement, but the 
general voice was so nearly unanimous in its favor, their ad- 
vice was not listened to. Tiie excitement ran high, and the 
multitude clamored to be led to the rescue of their friends in 
the hands of the Federal authorities. They did not look at the 
consequences that might recoil upon themselves, nor did the}' 
care at that particular moment, for they were burning under 
a sense of real or imagined wrong. They were blind to the 
nature of the step they were taking, and deaf to the voice of 
reason. The multitude believed, in case they should succeed in 
rescuing the prisoners, the matter would end there. Oi", if it 
did cross the minds of the most far-seeing that such indignity 
to the government might be taken notice of, and troops or^- 
dered there to capture the guilty, it was not supposed, for a 
moment, the authorities would be able to do anything with 
them. With this feeling the march was taken up for Gunes' 
tavern, three miles from Bethlehem, where some confederates 



" We are not able to fix the locality of .Martin Ritter's tavern. W'e thought, at first, it 
was on the sight of the present Rittersville, four miles from Bethlehem, on the road to 
Allentown. But this was imposible as the place of meeting of the Northampton in- 
surgents was on the south side of the Lehigh, while Rittersville is on the north. 

1" The same Captain Jarrett previously mentioned. His military, on this occasion, was 
a regularly organized volunteer company. 



56 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

Avere expected to join them. Here they resumed the march j 
for the bridge that crosses the Lehigh at South Bethlehem." 

" The South Bethlehem Star, published a few years ago, the following account of the 
establishing of a ferry and the subsequent building of a bridge across the Lehigh at 
Bethlehem, by which the insurgents crossed: " The first public means of crossing the 
Lehigh was a ferry at the same place where the old Lehigh bridge now crosses the river- 
It was opened on March ii, 1743, and the man who first paddled passengers across the 
new ferry was Adam Schaus. Ferriage was at first, for a horse and rider, 3d. In 1745 
the use of the ferry was free to all who lived in Bethlehem or delt there. Travelers were 
expected to pay if they would, but in case they objected they were not to be constrained. 
Improvements gradually crept in and 1750 wharves were constructed. Eight years there- 
after a rope was introduced which rendered a passage across the river a much less serious 
matter than heretofore. At last came a bridge in 1794. John Schropp, warden, was 
empowered hy an Act of Assembly to undertake the enterprise and to associate stock- 
holders with himself. That first bridge was built of hemlock, was uncovered and cost 
$7800. In 1816 this bridge'was removed and a more substantial structure put in its place. 
The latter bridge was also uncovered. In April, 1827, the present Bethlehem Bridge 
Company was organized. In 1841 the second bridge across the Lehigh was swept away 
by a freshet, after which the present covered one was constructed. After the great 
freshet of 1862 the present bridge had to be partially rebuilt, a portion of it having been 
carried away by the waters." 





JUDGE WILLIAM HENRY 

OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY. 



^he fpie^ !^ebellion. 



CHAPTER VI. 

I^escLie of the Prisoners at BetHlel\ern. 

Fries and his friends received word, the night before, that the 
Northampton people, opposed to the hwv, also intended to make 
an effort to take the prisoners froni the hands of the Marshal. 
In the morning, Conrad Marks sent his son to Rittcr's tavern, 
to learn what movement was on foot at that place. In the 
meantime the march was commenced for Millarstown, and 
when they had gone three or four miles on the road, young 
Marks was met returning. ?Ie informed them the Northamp- 
ton people were already in motion, a large party having left 
Ritter's before his arrival; that it was not worth while for them 
to go, as a sufficient number was on the maich to accomplish 
what they had in view. Upon learning this some were in 
favor of turning back, but Conrad Marks and John Fries 
advised the)' should go at least to l^cthlehem to sec what was 
going on there. The march was now resumed. Daniel Fries, 
son of John, sa}'s that his father started for Bethlehem 
mounted, but, when near old J(^hn Cline's, the animal cut its 
foot with the cork of his slioe and was disabled. Daniel was 
with him, and, as the horse was of no further service on the 
road, Fries sent his son back with it and continued the march 
on -foot. They passed by Ritter's tavern, and followed the 
route of the Northampton contingent which had preceded 
them, overtaking and joining them at the south end of the 
bridge over the Lehigh at South Bethlehem.' The whole 

1 South Bethlehem is on the south bank of the Lehigh opposite Bethlehem. Here was 
the Crown Inn, the first licensed house on the Lehigh that rose to the dignity of a 
tavern, and on the site of it is the Union Railroad Station. The house was built in 1745 
and licensed in June, 1746. The "Crown" played an important role in Colonial days. 
Around the site of this old hostelry has grown a town of fifteen thousand inhabitants; 
it is the seat of Lehigh University and here is located great iron works. Bethlehem and 
South Bethlehem are still connected by a wooden bridge that crosses the Lehigh at about 
the same place as the old one of '99. • 

(57) 



58 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

command numbered about one hundred and forty men, 
including two companies of riflemen and one of mounted 
men, the latter being armed with broad swords. They 
presented quite a martial appearance. Their march through 
the thickly populated country swelled their ranks by the 
addition of a number, attracted by curiosity, who followed 
after to see what would take place, without any intention of tak- 
ing part in the proceedings. They were neutrals. 

We have already said the Marshal returned to Bethlehem 
with his prisoners the night of March 6, and confined them in 
the Sun tavern.^ As the Marshal passed through the country, 
on his return, he heard a rumor that an attempt would be 
made to rescue the prisoners, but he did not conceive such a 
thing possible, supposing somebody, as a matter of amuse- 
ment, had raised the story to alarm him. Upon reaching 
Bethlehem, however, the rumor was confirmed, and he was 
convinced a movement of the kind was on foot by a band of 

2 A public house has been kept on the spot where the Sun tavern stands for 140 years. 
The expediencey of erecting; a house of entertainment at Bethlehem was first considered 
and the location fixed upon, in July, 1754, but delay prevented its completion until 1758. 
Down to this time travelers were accommodated at " The Crown " on the south bank of 
the Lehigh, bailt 1743, and onv'erted into a farm house in 1791. Chastellux, a French 
gentleman traveling in America near the close of the last century says of the "Sun :" " This 
tavern was built at the exjen^e of the Society of Moravian Brethren whom it served as 
a magazine, and is very handsome, and spacious. The person who keeps it is only the 
cashier, and obliged to render an account to the administrators. As we had already 
dined we only drank tea, but ordered breakfast for the next morning at 10 o'clock." An 
English gentleman traveling in this country at that period also visited Bethlehem and 
put up at the Sun tavern. He afterward translated the work of Chastellux, and in it, 
makes the following note in reference-to this tavern : " This inn for its external appear- 
ances, and its interior accommodations, is equal to the best of the large inns in England, 
which, indeed, it very much resembles in many respects. The first time I was in B^hle- 
hem, in company with my friends, Maj )r Pierce Butler, Mr, Thomas Elliott and Mr. 
Charles Pinckney, Carolina gentlemen, w,' remained here two or three days, and were 
constantly supplied with venison, moise, game, and the most delicious red and yellow 
bellied trout, the highest flavored wild strawberries, the most luxurious asparagus and 
the best vegetables, in short, I ever saw ; and notwithstanding the difficulty of procuring 
good wine and spirits at that period throughout the continent, we were here regaled with 
rum and brandy, of the best quality, and exquisite old Port and Madeira." The present 
condition and appearance of the Sun tavern are in strong contrast compared with a 
century ago. It is excelled by few, if any, public house outside the large cities, and the 
accommodations are of the best. It is frequently alleged Lafayette put up at the Sun 
tavern, while recovering from the wound received at Brandywine, 1777, but this is an 
error. He occupied the house lately owned by Ambrose Rauch, on Main street, torn 
di.vn 1872. Th'e Mar juis was driven in a carriage from Bristol, on the Delaware, to 
Bethlehem, a distance of sixty miles. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 59 

armed men. The prisoners arrested in Lehigh township were 
released upon their own bonds, with good securities for tiicir 
appearance, but the others were held in custody. 

The information, that an attempt at rescue would be made, 
naturally gave the Marshal great uneasiness, and he proceeded 
to take such steps as were dee neJ necessary to prevent it. 
He held a consultation with Judge William Henry, Mr. 
Eyerley, the commissioner, Mr, Balliott, Joseph Horsfield,^ 
a justice of the peace at Bethlehem, and General Brown.' He 
had received instructions before leaving Philadelphia to call 
out a possc*coinitatiis in case it should be found necessary, but 
was forbidden to use an armed force. He made a demand 
upon Judge Henry for armed men, but as the latter had 
received similar instructions, and there could not be found any 
authority authorizing it, the requisition was refused. It was 
therefore decided to call such force as they were authorized to 
accept, and, accordingly, summoned a civil posse. Twenty men 
were called from Bethlehem and Easton, but only eighteen 
responded, arriving between ten and eleven in the forenoon. 
We have not been able to get the names of all, but among 
them were William Barnett, John Barnett, Christian Winters, 
Christian Roths and Philip Schlaugh. The prisoners were re- 
moved upstairs to a room thought to be more secure. As 
General Brown was a person of influence in the county, the 
Marshal requested him to command at Bethlehem and lend 
the assistance of his counsel, but he declined on account of 
having been absent so long from his famly. In the mean- 
time an officer was sent to arrest a clerg)qnan named Eyer- 



3 Joseph Horsfield was a prominent citizen of Northampton, and justice of the 
peace many years at Bethlehem. He was the youngest child of Timothy and Mary 
Horsfield, who settled in Long Island, 1749, and removed to Bethlehem, 1750. He 
married a niece of the celebrated Anthony Benezet, Philadelphia, whose mother was 
a great court beauty during the reign of Louis XIV. He was a witness on the trial of 
Fries for the prosecution. He died at Bethlehem, 1S34, at the age of 84 years. 

■> General Brown was a descendant of an immigrant who settled at "Craig's Settle- 
ment," Allen township, Northampton c(ninty, about 1735. He was prominent in his 
generation, and played an important part in the county during the Revolutionary 
struggle. Robert Brown, of that section, was a prominent man of his day and an officer 
in the Continental army. 



6o THE FRIES REBELLION. 

man' and .one John Fox, both active in opposing the law, 
and who were thought to be too dangerous to go at' large. 
They were taken and brought in without opposition. The 
proceeedings becoming known in the surrounding country, a 
large number of people came to witness a conflict, which, it 
was supposed, could not be avoided. 

About eleven o'clock, a Mr. Dixon, who arrived from Emaus, 
informed the Marshal he had seen a number of persons as- 
sembled at Ritter's tavern, under arms, some mounted, others 
on foot, who were about to march for Bethlehem ; and also 
saw others on the road. This was the first positive informa- 
tion that an armed party was actually coming ?o attempt a 
rescue of the prisoners. In about half an hour two men, one 
armed with a smooth bore gun, the other with a rifle, arrived 
at the Sun, dismounted in the yard, came quietly into the 
house, and placed themselves by the side of each other opposite 
the door. The Marshal, and some of the people who were 
collected, inquired the reason of their coming there armed, 
when, after some hesitation, they replied they " had come upon 
a shooting frolic." Upon being questioned as to what they 
intended to shoot, one of them evaded a reply by saying 
they wanted to see what was best for the country. They 
were then told to withdraw, and not appear in arms to obstruct 
the process of the United States. To this they replied they 
were freemen, and had a right to go where they pleased. They 
were supposed to be of the insurgent force, and, as they would 
probably come straggling in, it was thought best to secure 
them in detail. They were accordingly arrested, their arms 
taken from them, and they were taken up stairs and confined 
in a chamber. Shortly after three other mounted men arrived 
in uniform, at the head of whom was Shankwyler, who had re- 
fused to submit to an arrest the day before. The Marshal 
asked him if he had come to surrender himself, but he replied 

^ Among the prisoners released at Bethlehem was Jacob Eyerman, a clergyman resid- j 
ing in Hamilton township, Northampton county, recently arrived from Germany. He I 
was one of the most active in stirring up opposition fo the house tax law, only second 
in influence to John Fries, and continued to preach to his congregation until his tongue 
was silenced by arrest. After his release he fled to the State of New York, where he 
was arrested and brought back. He was tried, found guilty of conspiracy ; sentenced i' ' 
one year with a fine of $50, and to give security for one }£ar for his good behavior. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 6l 

he came to meet his accuser. They gave no indication of 
creating a disturbance and mingled peacebly with others 
assembled. Information was now brought in that there was 
an armed force at the Lehigh bridge, on the march for the 
tavern. A consultation was held, and it was deemed best to 
send a deputation down to hold a conference with them, to 
learn their intention. It was agreed to send a delegation of 
four upon this duty, two Federalists and two anti-Federalists. 
The men selected were John Mulhallon," William Harnett, 
Christian Roths and Isaac Hartzell, gentlemen of standing ar.d 
influence in the county. They received no particular instruc- 
tions, and were only charged to prevail upon the armed force 
not to come into town. 

The deputation rode down through the main street of 
Bethlehem, crossed the Lehigh to the south bank, and pro- 
ceeded about a half mile bc}'ond the bridge, where they met a 
party of armed horsemen, whom they learned were from the 
neighborhood of Millarstown. These belonged to the North- 
ampton contingent. Upon inquiring for the commanding 
of^cer, they were told they had no officers but were all com- 
manders. The committee then told them the object of their 
visit, and used every persuasion to induce them to relinquish 
their march to Bethlehem. They explained to them the prob- 
able consequences of the rash step they were about to take; 
that they would be resisting the laws of the United States in 
rescuing the prisoners, and the Government would surely 
punish them for it. All they said seemed to have but little or 
no effect. While judge Mulhallon and Mr. Barnett were 
talking with these people in front. Christian Roths went toward 
the rear to use his influence in that quarter. One of the men 
said to him, "We don't know you;" A\hereupon he told 
them in reply, that whether they knew him or not, they would 
thank him for the advice he had given them. Another pointed 
his gun at him. This did not alarm Roths, who mildly said, 
"Little man, consider what \'ou are about; don't be too much 
in a hurry." While they were holding tnis parley a company 

« John Mulhallon, called "Judge" Mulhallon, and probably Associate Judge at one 
time, was appointed the firtt Prothonotary for Lehigh county, when it was cut off from 
Northampton. 



62 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

of armed riflemen came up. They ivere likewise informed 
of the wish of the Marshal, but they gave it no more heed 
than the others. 

The march of the insurgents was now resumed and they 
continued to the bridge where another halt was made. The 
committee here held another parley with them, endeavoring, 
by alljpossible means, to induce them not to go over into the 
town. They now said that the Marshal had two of their men 
prisoners, who had gone to Bethlehem under arms, and they 
intended to set them free. They appeared to be alarmed at 
the idea of the prisoners being taken to Philadelphia for trial. 
While admitting they should be punished, if they had done 
wrong, they must be tried in Northampton county. When 
the committee saw the insurgents were determined to pro- 
ceed, they suggested it would be better to send three or four 
men over as a deputation to confer with the Marshal. To 
this they agreed, and three of their number were appointed to 
go. Afraid lest these men should also be made prisoners^ 
they stipulated with William Barnett that he should return 
them safely. The two committees then crossed the river to 
Bethlehem, and together proceeded to the Sun tavern. They 
were taken before the Marshal and had a conference with him- 
Upon inquiring the reason of so many armed men coming 
there, they replied they came to prevent him taking the 
prisoners to Philadelphia to be tried. He told them that that 
could not be, and advised them to go to their companions and 
persuade them to return to their homes. They requested 
that the two men, who had been made prisoners in the morn- 
ing, should be released, which was done and their arms delivered 
to them. As the committee had promised, they now returned 
with these men to the south side of the river to deliver them 
to their companions. 

We last took leave of John Fries and his friends on their 
march from Conrad Marks' tavern by the way of Millarstown 
to Bethlehem. They were a little in the rear of the Northamp- 
ton contingent, and arrived at the bridge while the committee 
of citizens were gone to the tavern with the men deputed to 
confer with the Marshal. They did not halt any length of 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



63 



time on the south bank of the river, but pushed across and 
continued on to the tavern, where the prisoners were confined. 
Meanwhile, the comniittee of conference, on the part of the, 
Marshal, had started on their return accompanied by the two 
released prisoners and their three friends. When they reached 
the lower part of the village, they met the force of John 
Fries marching up the main street. They stopped him to hold 
a parley, and endeavored to prevail upon him and his men not 
to continue their march up into the town; but they disregarded 
their appeal and said they were determined to go on. One of 
the men, supposed to have been Fries, said, "This is the third 
day that I am out. I had a fight yesterday, and I mean to 
have one to-day if they do not let the prisoners clear." They 
now resumed the march. The force consisted of two companies 
of riflemen, and one of mounted men, numbering in all about 
one hundred and forty. The horsemen mar chcd two abreast 
armed with drawn swords. The footmen carried rifles, at a 
trail, in single file. One of tbe companies was commanded by 
a Captain Staeler, and wore tri-colored cockades on their hats. 
Fries marched in front of the riflemen and was apparently in 
command 

The appearance of this large armed force, so close at hand, 
created great confusion and excitement, not only at the tavern 
but throughout the town. A conflict between them and the 
Marshal's posse was now thought inevitable. The inhabitants 
and strangers in the town flocked around the scene of action to 
watch the course of events. The Marshal had a force of less 
than twenty men to protect eighteen prisoners, who were 
merely placed in different rooms in the tavern, without being 
further restrained of their liberty. When the insurgents were 
known to be coming, the prisoners were told their friends were 
at hand prepared to take them away, but they did not wish to 
be rescued. The force arrived about i o'clock in the day; 
marched into the yard in front of the tavern ; halted, the 
horsemen dismounting, and the riflemen passing around the 
house drew up in the rear of the horses and rested on their 
arms. The men kept well in ranks, and appeared to be under 
good control. The Marshal doubled his guard over the 



64 THE TRIES REBELLION. 

prisoners and stationed two at the bottom and two at the top 
of the stairs, arnied with pistols. Fries went into the tavern, 
accompanied by two of his men, and requested the sentinel at 
the foot of the stairway to let him go up to see the Marshal. 
Word was sent up to Colonel Nichols, who came forward and 
told the guard to let Captain Fries pass up. When he came to 
the Marshal, Fries informed him he had come for the 
prisoners, and demanded their release. The Marshal replied 
this was out of his power, but if he were determined to take 
them, he must get them the best way he could. Soon after 
Fries and his force arrived, Captain Jarrett came up, and the 
men saluted him with cheers. He had been to Philadelphia 
to surrender himself and be discharged on bail, and had just 
returned. He had an interview with the Marshal who re- 
quested him to get the men to withdraw. This he promised, 
to do, but he either had no influence or did not choose to 
exercise it. He remained about there some two hours, but 
took no steps to quell the disturbance. After the interview 
with the Marshal, Fries returned to the guard and told his 
followers the result of it. Upon learning this the}' became 
quite violent and expressed a determination to have the 
prisoners at every risk. They abused Eyerley, the com- 
missioner, and all who had assisted him, and towards them 
appeared to be more enraged than at the Marshal. 

The insurgents now prepared to take the prisoners by force 
if they should not be given up peaceably. Fries told his men 
that four or five sentinels had to be passed, and begged them 
not to fire until the Marshal's posse had fired upon them ; he 
would go on before them and expected to get the first blow. 
He cautioned them, a sec^id time, not to fire first, and 
promised to give the word as soon as he was fired upon, when 
they must help themselves. He then gave the command, and 
his men followed toward the tavern. The\' came on with a 
rush and succeeded in getting into the entry in considerable 
numbers, where they were met by the Marshal's posse. A 
struggle took place between them, which resulted in the posse 
clearing the entry of the enemy. Esquire Horsfield came 
down stairs while the contest was going on, and, seeing that 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 65 

great excitement prevailed, he made his way through the 
crowd up stairs again to the hindlord, Mr. Levering/ and pre- 
vailed upon him to close the bar, as liquor stimulated the dis- 
turbance. This repulse maddened the crowd, and they re- 
turned to the charge with greater fury than before, yelling and 
uttering savage shrieks. They struck the butts of their rifles 
on the ground, and fairly jumped with rage. They came to 
the door and a number entered and filled the hall. Those 
who remained outside pointed their rifles up at the windows 
to intimidate, and one, who entered, thrust the muzzle of his 
gun up the stairvia\-, threatening to fire. They shouted 
their determin ition to have the prisoners. These proceed- 
ings caused great consternation among the Marshal's posse, 
who began to grow alarmed for their own safety. • 

Philip Schlaugh was so much frightened he mounted his 
horse when the second rush was made, and rode for Easton as 
fast as his animal could carry him. Esquire Horsfield begged 
the Marshal "for God's sake" to deliver up the prisoners, and 
worked his way down stairs to be ready to make his escape. 
The Marshal and his friends, up stairs at this time in charge 
of tlie prisoners, consulted with Judge Henr}' and others as 
to what was best to be done. He was advised to surrender 
the prisoners to Tries. This he refused to do, but said he 
would march them to Philadelphia, and if the mob thought 
proper to take them from him, on the way, it would be their 
act, not his, and he told them to prepare immediately to start 
for the city. Several refused to go, saying they would not 
thus endanger their lives, but if he would suffer them to return 
to their homes they would meet him in Philadelphia on Mon- 
day or Tuesday following. Fries was still demanding their 
release and threats of bodily harm were made against Eyerley, 
Henry and others, in case the prisoners were not given up. 
The Marshal, considering the lives of these gentlemen in 

7 Abraham Levering was the landlord of the Sun tavern at the time of the rescue of 
the prisoners, and the fifth in succession. He was a son of John and Susan Levering, 
Nazgreth, and born December, 1757. His wife, Christiana, a daughter of Lewis 
Gassier, Lititz, was the popular hostess of the tavern for nine years. Levering entered 
upon the management June ist, '1790; retired from the tavern in June, 1799, and died 
in Bethlehem, 1S35. 



66 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



danger, rather than expose them to injury, concluded to de- 
liver the prisoners to Fries, and they were released and turned 
over to him. In a few minutes there was not an armed man 
on the ground, while the people of the town and neighbor- 
hood, who had collected as witnesses of the proceedings, quietly 
dispersed and returned to their homes. The contest was 
bloodless and the insurgents won. 




T'he frie| I^ebellion. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Th\e JPfesider^t Issues His Proclamation. 

Immediately, after the rescue of the prisoners at Bethlehem, 
John Fries returned to his home in Milford township, but 
far from satisfied with the part he had taken in the affair. The 
excitement having subsided and reflection assumed its wonted 
sway, he doubted the propriety of his course, and began to 
have fears that he and his friends had gone beyond legal resist- 
ance. Like every man, who places himself in the wrong, he 
was anxious to unburden his mind by talking with others upon 
the subject, in the hope of justifying his conduct. For this 
purpose he went to see John Jamison,' an old acquaintance, 
two days after the occurrence, to whom he gave a full account 
of the affair at Bethlehem, and the part he took in it. He 
threw the blame upon the Germans, who, he said, he could do 
nothing with, as they had gotten the idea into their heads 
General Washington was opposed to the law, and therefore 
they need not allow it to be carried into execution. 

An effort was now made to harmonize matters so the asssess- 
ments could be taken, thus putting an end to the disturbance 
that had so long agitated this and neighboring counties. It 
was agreed among the leading men in the disaffected districts 
of Bucks the proper course would be to meet and choose a 
committee from the three counties. For this purpose a meet- 
ing was called at the tavern of Conrad Marks, Monday, March 
15, wdiich some 200 people attended from the three counties. 
A committee of four from each county was appointed, with 
authority to consider the situation, and report what was best 
to be done under the circumstances. We have not been able 

1 John Jamison was a descendant of William Jamison, who settled in Richland town- 
ship, in the neighborhood of Quakertown about 1730. He was a farmer and of no par- 
ticular prominence. 

(67) 



6S THK FKIKS RKHKI.LION. 

to procure the names of ^ill on the committee, but have scver.i 
from this county; John Jamison, George Klinc,^ Danii ^ 
Roberts,^ Conrad Marks, Dr. ]>akcr, a man named Davis and 
Captain Jarrett. They advised the people to desist from 
further opposition to the assessors and other officers in the 
execution of their duties, and enjoined upon them to L^ive due 
submission to the hiws of their country. This seemed to be 
the sentiment of all present at the meeting, and no dissent 
was experienced. The people of Lower Milford were now in 
favor of having the assessments made, but, Mr. Roberts, upon 
being consulted, was not willing they should choose an assessor, 
but if Mr. Clark, who had not yet given up his commission, would 
take the rates, it would answer every purpose. A second 
meeting was advertised to be held at George Mitchcl's tavern 
on March 25, to take the sense of the people ufjon the subject 
of permitting Clark to make the assessments, h'ries was at 
the meeting held at Conrad Marks, and, as it does not ap- 
pear he took any part in the proceedings, he probably cpiietly 
acquiesced with others in the peaceable measures adopted. 
Upon this occasion he and Mitchel had some conversation on 
the subject, when he admitted his former resistance to the 
law, a fact he never denied. He now expressed a willingness 
to give in his submission, and allow the law to be inforced. 
Apparently wishing to make some amends for his former harsh 
treatment of the officers, he told Jacob Iluber that his house 
should not be assessed until he had given the assessors a 
dinner, and that if he were not at home when they came his 
son would be tliere to provide for them. With this the op- 
position to the law in Milford ended, and, from that time for- 
ward to his arrest, there was no better ordered citizen in the 
county than John Fries. Me returned to his usual occup^i- 



2 The Kline family were sympathizers with Fries in his opposition to the house tax law, 
and Jacob Kline, Sr., and three others of the name were arrested for treason. Jacob 
Kline was present at the meeting at Mitchel's tavern and was then well dispoK<d. 

^ Daniel Roberts was a descendant of Edward Roberts, who, with his wife, settled 
near Qiiakertown, 1716. She was a daughter of Everard and Elizabeth Holton, who 
settled at Cheltenham, Montgomery county, 1682. The ancestry of the Boltons is traced 
back to the Lord of Bolton, the lineal representative of the Saxon Earls of Murcia. The 
late Judge Roberts, of Doylestown, was a descendant of Edward Roberts. 



THE FRIKS RI;I:KI.I.I0N. 69 

tic^n, vetidiu; ci'\'iiiL;", and, if liis puscnt y;()od conc'uct be any 
evidence, he had entirely repented his i)reviou.s couise. 

Tlie Marshal ke|)t Jndi^e I'eters full)- informed of the opera- 
tions of tile insur_L;'ents, and also of his own movements. 
Immediately ui)on the rescue of the prisoners at 15ethlelu-m 
he announced the fact to the Judi^e, who laid the matter be- 
fore the I'Y'tleral authorities without chjay. Upon bein^ thus 
officiall}' informed of the truth of what had heretofore reached 
him inthcshapeof rumors, alth('Ui,di prett>' well authenticated, 
the President called his cabinent tf)i^ether to deliberate upon 
the steps t<) be taken in relation thereto. They were now 
fully cognizant of tlu' resistance that had been offered to the 
law, and was satisfied it could not be ext'cuted in the disaffected 
districts unices the opi)osition should end. It was now de- 
termined the I*resi(K'nt should issue his proclamation, and mi- 
deavor, by tliis mild means, to call the deluded disturbers of 
the peace back to their duty, before a resort was had to harsher 
measures. For this purpose he caused to be issued, fi'om the 
se.it of government at l'hil<uleli)hi.i on March 12, 1799, the 
following : 

By the President of the United States of Aineriea : 

PROCLAMATION. 

WHKRKAS, combinations, to defeat the execution of thel.iws 
for the valuation of lands and dwelling liouses \vithin the 
United States, have existed within the counties of Northamp- 
ton, Montgomery and Bucks, in the .State of l\Mins)'lvania, 
have proceeded in a manner subversive of the just authority 
of the govemment, by misrepresentations to reuuler the laws 
odious, by deterring the of^cers of the United .States to for- 
bear the execution of their functions, and by opeidy threaten- 
ing their lives. And, whereas, the endeavors of the well- 
effected citizens, as well as of the executive officers to con- 
ciliate compliance a\ ith these laws, have failed of success, and 
certain persons in the county of Northampton, aforesaid, have 
been hardy enough to perpetrate certain acts, which, I am 
advised, amouiit to treason, being overt acts of levying war 
against the United States, the said i)ersons exceeding one 



70 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

hundred in number, and armed and arrayed in warlike manner, 
having, on the seventh day of the present month of March, 
proceeded to the house of Abraham Levering, in the town of 
Bethlehem, and there compelled William Nichols, Marshal of 
the United States, for the District of Pennsylvania, to desist 
from the execution of certain legal processes in his hands to 
be executed, and having compelled him to discharge and set 
at liberty, certain persons whom he had arrested by virtue of 
a criminal process, duly issued for offenses against the United 
States, and having impeded and prevented the commissioners 
and assessor, in conformity with the laws aforesaid, in the 
county of Northampton, aforesaid, by threats of personal 
injury, from executing the said laws, avowing, as the motive of 
these illegal and treasonable proceedings, an intention to 
prevent, by force of arms, the execution of the said laws, and 
to withstand, by open violence, the lawful authority of the 
United States. And, whereas, by the Constitution and laws 
of the United States, I am authorized, whenever the laws of 
the United States shall be opposed, or the execution thereof 
obstructed in any State, by combinations too powerful to be 
suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or 
by powers, vested in the Marshal, to call forth military force 
to supress such combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly 
executed, and I have accordingly determined so to do, under 
the solemn conviction that the essential interests of the United 
States demand it. 

Thcrefo7-€, I, John Adams, President of the United States, 
do hereby command all persons, being insurgents as aforesaid, 
and all others whom it may concern, on or be/ore Monday 
next, being the eighteenth day of the present month, to dis- 
perse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes : and I 
do, moreover, warn all persons whomsoever, against aiding, 
abetting or comforting the perpetrators of the aforesaid treason- 
able acts, and I do require all of^cers and others, good and 
faithful citizens, according to their respective duties and laws 
of the land, to exert their utmost endeavors to prevent and 
suppress, such dangerous and unlawful proceedings. 

In testimony thereof, I have caused the Seal of the United 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 71 

States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed 

the same with my hand. Done at the city of Philadelphia, 

the twelfth day of March, in the year of our Lord, 1799, and 

of the Independence of the said United States of America, 

the twenty-third. 

By the President : 

(Signed) JOHN ADAMS. 

(Signed) TiMOTHY PICKERING, 

Secretary of State. 

The proclamation reached Milford township, on the fifteenth 
of March. Its appearance created a good deal of excitement 
and talk among the people, who were now convinced the 
government was disposed to treat the late disturbance with 
more seriousness than the participators in it had believed. It 
was reported to the meeting at Conrad Marks, on the eigh- 
teenth, where it became the subject of discussion and conver- 
sation. On the evening of the day, it first made its appear- 
ance in the township, George Mitchel carried a copy down to 
Frederick Heaney's, to whom he read it, who agreed to sub- 
mit to it ; and he made no further opposition. Soon after 
the appearance of the proclamation, a statement of the part 
John Fries had taken in opposing the law was published in 
the newspapers; Israel Roberts carried a copy to him to read 
what was said of him. The account of his conduct, as 
published, seemed to affect him greatly; and, upon being 
questioned, he admitted he had never before considered the 
matter in such serious light as he had within a few days. He 
said he had not slept half an hour for three or four nights, and 
that he would give all he was worth in the world if the matter 
were settled and he clear of it. He expressed a willingness 
to surrender himself if the government would send for him. 

The meeting advertised at George Mitchel's tavern, on 
March twenty-five, was held at that time. About forty 
persons were present, among them, John Fries and Frederick 
Heaney. It was agreed that Clark should make the asse- 
ments. Neither Fries nor Heaney voted upon the question, 
but both expressed a willingness that others should do so, and, 



72 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

in fact, lioped they might vote for him. They seemed to 
yield entire obedience to the authorities, and appeared sensi- 
ble of their previous misconduct. In Northampton county, 
the reception of the President's proclamation had the same 
good effect as in Bucks, and almost wholly quieted the dis- 
turbance. But little opposition to the law took place after 
that date, the most serious being the attack on Mr. Balliott, a 
collector. He was waylaid u[)on his return from Bethlehem, 
whether he had been on business, and so severely beaten a 
physician was brought from that place to attend him. His 
injuries, however, proved not to be very serious, and he soon 
recovered. About the same time Henry Artman, Adam 
Stephen and Henr)^ Shankwyler, of Millarstown, went to 
Philadelphia, and surrendered themselves to the Federal 
authorities, and entered into bail before Judge Peters for 
their appearance. These men were among the most violent 
opposers of the law in Northampton county. The opposition 
to the law had the efTjct of ciusing a repeal of the provisions 
of the house tax, requiring a statement of the windows of 
each dwelling, at the sessions of 1798-99, and before the most 
serious disturbances had taken place. 

The reader, no doubt, will be as much astonished as the 
writer, at the course of the government after this period. 
From and after March 25 John Fries and his aiders and abet- 
tors gave their entire submission to the authorities, and com- 
ported themselves as cjuietly and orderly as the best citizens. 
They allowed their property to be assessed, and acquiesced in 
the law being carried into execution. Under all the circum- 
stances it does not appear that the extreme measures after- 
wards pursued were called for, but that a lenient government, 
such as ours professes to be, should have overlooked the 
faults and even offenses of the past, in consideration that a 
very obnoxious law, and at best of questionable propriety, was 
allowed to go into full force and effect. The pursuing of 
Fries, in this view of the case, had the appearance of perse- 
cution, which created greater sympathy, in his behalf, than 
would otherwise have been extended to him. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 73 

The President's proclamation gave the proceedings of the 
insurgents, in Bucks and Northampton, an importance they 
otherwise would not have received ; and, from this time for- 
ward to the conclusion of the " Rebellion," it was a National 
affair, and attracted the attention of all sections of the 
Union. Many expected to see another " Western Insurrec- 
tion" or a " Shay's Rebellion," with a more disas!:rous termi- 
nation. The timid friends of republican government were 
alarmed lest this disturbance might be a rock on which the 
ship of State would founder and go to pieces, while the 
enemies of our institutions predicted such would be the re- 
sult, and appeared delighted at the prospective overthrow of 
the government. 

The President caused his proclamation to be immediately 
sent to the Governor of Pennsylvania, then in Philadelphia 
attending upon the session of the Legislature, and Governor 
Mifflin^ transmitted a copy to the Assembly, accompanied by 
the following message: 

Message of the Governor of Pennsylvania, to the Tivo Houses of 
Assembly : 

Gen FLEMEX : — It is announced, by proclamation issued by 
the President of the United States, dated the 12th inst., that 
combinations, to defeat the execution of the laws for the 
valuation of lands and dwelling houses within the United 
States, have existed in the counties of Northampton, Mont- 
gomery and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania : That in the 
judgment of the President it is necessary to call for the mili- 
tary force, in order to suppress the combinations aforesaid, 
and cause the laws aforesaid to be duly executed ; and that 
the President has accordingly determined to do so, under the 



^ Thomas Mifflin was born in Philadelphia, 1744, of Quaker parentage, and brought 
up to mercantile pursuits. When the war for independence broke out, Congress ap- 
pointed and commissioned him a Brigadier-General and he was given command of the 
Pennsylvania troops. He served with great credit in various positions, among which 
was Quartermaster-General. He was elected a member of Congress, 1783, and made 
Speaker. In this capacity he acted during the closing scenes of the Revolution and re- 
ceived back the commission of Washington when he formally tendered his resignation. 
He was elected Governor of Pennsylvania, 1790, the first under the new Constitution, 
and served three terms, nine years. He died at Lancaster, January 21, 1800. 



74 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

solemn conviction that the essential interest of the United 
States demands it. 

That I have received no communication from the President 
on this important occasion, yet it is my duty, as Executive 
Magistrate of Pennsylvania, to call your attention to the sub- 
ject, that if any means ought to be taken on the part of the 
State to co-operate with the Federal government, they may 
be devised and authorized by the Legislature. 

(Signed) Thomas MiFFLiN. 

Philadelphia, March 77, lygg. 

The matter was referred to a committee of the House, 
which made report condemning the disturbance in the strong- 
est terms, but proceeded to say, that as the President had 
taken proper steps to quell the insurrection, they did not 
deem it necessary for the State to take any action in the mat- 
ter ; but whenever it should become necessary to co-operate 
with the general government they would do so cheerfully. To 
the report was addeded the following resolution, but was 
stricken out on its passage : 

Resolved, " That the Governor be, and is hereby requested 
to cause full and due inquiry into the causes of the said riots, 
to be made, and to make special report to this House there- 
upon, and particularly of any circumstances which may be al- 
leged, or discovered, tending to show the origin of the same 
agency of foreign incendiaries, in the seditions views of do- 
mestic traitors." 





»._^J •** ' i'.,. 



^■Sl 



:^ 




■^^^ 



^•he jFie§ P^ebellion. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

'^Froops Called Out to Suppress tl^^e Ii\surrectior\. 

While the Legislature took no further action concerning 
the house tax troubles, the Representatives from Northamp- 
ton county issued an address to the people of the State, in 
which they say that, on a recent visit to their constituency, 
they found nothing that " looks like an insurrection." They 
were highly indignant at the course of the Federal govern- 
ment, as were the people of the State, generally. There was 
now a change of policy ; the " Fries Rebellion" was relegated 
to the military arm for treatment. 

On March 20 the Secretary of War made the following 
requisition, on Governor Mifflin, for militia to assist in quell- 
ing the insurrection : 

War Department, March 20, 1799. 

Sir: — To suppress the insurrection now existing in the 
counties of Northampton, Bucks and Montgomery, in the 
State of Pennsylvania, in opposition to the laws of the United 
States, the President has thought it best to employ a military 
force, to be composed, in part, of such of the militia of Penn- 
sylvania whose situation and state of preparation will enable 
them to march with promptitude. As the corps of militia 
first desired on this occasion are the troops of cavalry belong- 
ing to this city, and one troop from each of the counties of 
Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Montgomery and Lancaster, 
these troops I have the honor to request your Excellency will 
order to hold themselves in readiness to march, on, or before, 

175) 



76 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

the 28th instant, under the command of Brigadier-General 
Macpherson.' 

I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, your Ex- 
cellency's most obedient servant. 

(Signed) James McHenry.* 

His Excellency, Thomas Mifflin. 

Upon the receipt of the Secretary of War's communication, 
Governor Mifflin addressed the following letter to the Ad- 
jutant-General of the State, directing him to issue general | 
orders for complying with the President's request : 

"Philadelphia, March 20, 1799, 3 o'clock, p. m." 

" Sir .-—The Secretary of War, has this moment com- 
municated to me, the President's intention to employ a mili- 
tary force, in suppressing the insurrection now existing in the 
counties of Northampton, Bucks and Montgomery, with a re- 
quest that the Troops of Cavalry, belonging to this city, and 
a troop from each of the counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, 
Chester, Montgomery and Lancaster, may be ordered to hold 
themselves in readiness to march on, or before, the 28th 
instant, under the command of Brigadier-General Macpherson. 

" You will, therefore, issue general orders for complying 
with the President's request ; and communicate by express 
with the commanding officers of the several corps. As soon 
as the troops are ready to march you will make your report to 
me, sending the returns of the officers from time to time as 
you receive them." I am, sir, 

Your most obedient Servant, 

(Signed) Thomas Mifflin. 

To Peter Baynton,' Esq., 

Adjutant General of Militia of Pennsylvania. 

1 William Macpherson, the son of Captain John Macpherson, Philadelphia, was an 
officer in the i6th British foot. At the first ojjportunity he sold out his commission and 
succeeded in escaping from the British lines to Philadelphia, where he offered his services 
to the Board of War. He was commissioned a major in the Pennsylvania line. His 
brother John, a Captain, fell at Quebec. 

2 James McHenry, Secretary of War, from 1796 to 1800, was born in Maryland, 1753, 
and died in Baltimore, May 8, iSig. He served in the Revolution as aide-de-camp of 
Lafayette; was a delegate from Maryland to the Continental Corgress, 1783-S6; a 
member of the Convention that formed the Federal Constitution, 17S7, ai.d appointed 
Secretary of War by Mr. Adams. 

3 The records show that Peter Baynton was appointed Adjutant-General of Pennsyl- 
vania, February 27, 1799, and vacated the office May 1, iSco. We have not been able to 
find any further mention of him. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. "J"] 

In obedience to the order of his immediate Commander-in- 
Chief, Adjutant-General Baynton issued orders caHing into 
service a portion of the mihtia of the State, as follows: 

" GENERAL ORDERS." 

" PinLADELrniA, March 20, 1799." 
"The following corps of cavalry are to hold themselves in 
readiness to march on, or before, the 28th instant : 

"Captain Dunlap's, Captain Singei's, Captain MorreU's, 
Captain Leeper's, of the city of Philadelphia ; Captain Lesh- 
er's, of the county of Philadelphia ; Captain Sims', ^ of the 
county of Bucks; Captain Taylor's, of the county of Ches- 
ter; Captain Montgomery's, of the county of Lancaster, and 
Captain Kennedy's, of the county of Montgomery. 

"Officers commanding the above troops of Cavalry will 
make report to the Adjutant-General as soon as their respec- 
tive corps are ready to march." 

" By order of the Commander-in-Chief." 
(Signed) " PETER BaVNTON," 

"Adjutant-General of the Militia of Penns}'lvania." 

Of the quota of troops called for, one company of cavalr}' 
was taken from Bucks and another from Montgomery, but 
Northampton was so far gone in rebelli )a her militia were 
not thought reliable, and none were takjii from that county. 
The President designated William Macpherson as command- 
er of the troops about to make the expedition into Bucks and 
Northampton, and, to give him sufficient rank, he was ap- 



^ ^Valter Sims bought the China Retreat property, 361 acres, 1798. This was a 
famous place in its day, on the west bank of the Delaware three miles below Bristol. In 
1787 the farm belonged to one Benger, an Irish sporting gentleman, who imported the 
famous horse Messenger. He sold it to one Van Braam Honchgust, the Dutch Governor 
of an East India island, who erected an elegant mansion upon it, and named it "China 
Retreat." From him it passed to Captain Sims. Captain John Green, son-in-law of 
Captain Sims, was the first American sea captain to carry our flag to China. He died, 
in 1797. In 1833 an additional building was erectedand a school established there called 
" Bristol College," but lived only a few years. The buildings were used as an hospital dur- 
ing the War of the Rebellion, and afterward a State school for the education of colored 
soldiers' orphans, was opened there. Captain Alden Partridge established a military 
school at China Retreat about 1842-3, which was kep up fur a few years. 



78 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

pointed a Brigadier-General in the United States army on 
March i8. At the time he held the same commission in the 
militia of Pennsylvania, which he resigned on the 22d, so as 
to accept the new honors that awaited him. General Mac- 
pherson resided in Philadelphia, and, after the Revolution | 
raised and commanded a celebrated volunteer corps known as ' 
the " Macpherson Blues," which, in its day, was the best 
drilled corps of citizen soldiery in the country. The troop of 
cavalry ordered out from Bucks belonged to the lower end of 
the county, and commanded by Captain Walter Sims. He 
was preparing to leave the country when the order of the 
Adjutant-General was issued, and, the next day. tendered his 
resignation as captain. The letter was addressed to the first 
lieutenant, William Rodman,' and answered on the 23d, in the 
name of the company. As we have not found any evidence of 
an election to fill the vacancy of Captain Sims being held be- 
fore the troop marched, it probably went out under Lieutenant 
Rodman. General Macpherson subsequently ordered out a 
company of cavalry from Cumberland county. 

Not considering the militia called out sufficient to quell the 
disturbance, the War Department ordered all the regulars 
that could be spared from other service to join them. The 
number was about 500, and they were ordered to rendezvous 1 
at Newtown' and Bristol' and from there proceed to the seat 
of war. Two companies left New York, March 17, for Bris- 
tol, there to await the arrival of other troops; a detachment, 



jii( 



5 William Rodman, grandson of Dr. John Rodman, who settled at Burlington, N. J., 
early in the last century, was born in Bensalem township, Bucks county, 1757. He was a 
patriot in the Rovolution ; a member of the State Senate, and was elected to Congress 
in i8r2, serving two terms. The late Mrs. John Fox, of Doylestown, was his niece, 
daughter of his Brother Gilbert. 

* Newtown, the county seat of Bucks county from 1725 to 1813, is situated in a delight- 
ful country, six miles from the Delaware and twenty-five from Philadelphia. The popu- 
lation is about 1500. It was to this place Washington brought the captured Hessians 
from Trenton, December 26, 1776, 

' Bristol is on the west bank of the Delaware, opposite Burlington, N. J., twenty 
miles above Philadelphia. It was made the county seat of Bucks in 1705, and so re- 
mained until its removal to Newtown in 1725. It is the only sea-port in the county. 
Population, 5000. 



Ire: 



)(1 



THE FRIES REBELLION 79 

mder Captain Jolin Henry* reached Trenton' from New 
;^ork on the 23d; encamped there over night, and marched to 
<Jewtovvn the next morning, there to await further orders. 
)n the 2 1st a detachment of artillery, under Lieutenant 
Voolstencroft" passed through Harrisburg from Reading: on 
he 27th Captain Irvine's" artillery marched from Carlisle;" 
.nd, on the 30th, a company, commanded by Captain Shoe- 
naker,'^ sixty strong, passed through Lancaster'^ all for the 

* John Henry, Pennsylvania, was appointed captain of arlilleryists and engineers 
une I, 1798, and resigned December 31, 1801. 

. 8 Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, is at the head of tide water on the Delaware. It 
/as founded by William Trent, a successful merchant of Philadelphia, about 1715. 
i'rent died in 1724. The town increased rapidly. It was made a borough in 1746, and 
. post office established as early as 1734. This was the scene of tlie capture of the Hes- 
ians by Washington, the turning of the tide in Revolutionary affairs. The population 
if Trenton is about 75,000 and it is the seat of extensive and valuable manufactures. 

'« Charles Woolstencroft, of Pennsylvania, was appointed lieutenant 2d artillerists and 
ngineers June 4, 179S ; in regiment of artillerists April i, 1802; promoted captain 
'/larch 15, 1805; transferred to corps of artillery May 12, 1814, and died September 28, 
817. He received the brevet rank of major March 15, 1815, for 10 years' faithful service 
n one grade. 

" Callender Irvine, of Pennsylvania, was appointed captain 2d artillerists and engin- 
;ers June i, 179S, and resigned May 20, 1801 ; appointed superintendent of military 
itores October 24, 1804; appointed commissary general of purchases August 8, 1812, and 
lied October 9, 1841, at Pliiladelphia, Penna. 

1- Carlisle, the county seat of Cumberland, was laid out in 1701, and a survey of the 
own and adjacent lands made in 1702. It was so named from Carlisle, in Cumberland 
;ounty, England. In (753 it contained but five dwellings. It was the seat of a govern- 
ment cavalry school for many years; the barracks being built in 1777 by the Hessians 
:aptured at Trenton were burnt down by Lees forces when they invaded the Cum- 
serland Valley in June, 1863. Dickinson's College, chartered by the Legislature, 1783, 
s located at Carlisle. Few sections of the State are richer in historic incidents. 

" Peter Shoemaker, of Pennsylvania, was appointed ensign, 2d infantry, April 11, 
[792 ; in 2d sub-legion, September 4, 1792; ist lieutenant, March 3, 1793; captain, 
March 3, 1799; honorably discharged June 29, 1800. 

" The city of Lancaster, the capital of the county of the same name, is on the Penn- 
sylvania railroad, between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, sixty miles from the latter. It 
was laid out by Governor Hamilton, 1730 ; became the seat of justice in 1734, and was 
incorporated, 1742, It was an important place in Revolutionary times. Congress re- 
paired there in September, 1777, and thence removed to York. It is the seat of Franklin 
ind Marshal College. Lancaster is in the heart of one of the very finest agricultural re- 
gions in the country, and for a long time enjoyed the reputation of being the largest in- 
land town in the United States. It contains many industries. Lancaster was the capi- 
tal of the State for some time, and the seat of government was removed to Harris- 
burg, 1812. 



So THE FRIES REBELLION. 

same destinatioi^ The President also made requisition on the 
executive of New Jersey for two thousand militia, to hold 
themselves in readiness to march. Of this force the eight 
troops of cavalry were to be prepared to march at a moment's 
notice. The order provides that, " Those who shall be warned 
for duty in consequence of these orders are to take care that 
their swords be not loose, but well riveted in their belts, that 
their blades be sharp and bright, their pistols clean, and in 
good order for videt duty ; their horses at all times well shod, 
fed, and gently exercised, their saddles and valise pads well 
stuffed, and their girths and breast plates sufficiently strong." 
This order was issued on March 22. As Governor Mifflin was 
an old soldier he understood the importance of minute direc- 
tions on such occasion. At a meeting of Captain Mosher s 
company of infantry, at Lancaster, it was resolved they were 
ready to march at a moment's warning for the support of gov- 
ernment. The Daily Advertiser, of March 30, says that 
various detachments of regular troops are already on the 
march for Northampton, which will, it is supposed, form a 
body of about 500 men. 

The time for the marching of the force from Philadelphia 
under the immediate command of General Macpherson, was 
fixed for April 3, and on the first instant the following orders 
were issued : 

" GENERAL ORDERS." 

The troops, which are under orders to march on Wednes- 
day, the 3d instant, will assemble on their own parades pre- 
cisely at 8 o'clock, a. m., on that day, in a complete state of 
preparation to take up the line of march. 

"The different commanding officers will receive their in- 
structions as to the route, &c,, on Tuesday morning at 10 
o'clock, for which purpose they will attend at my quarters. 
Lieutenant John Williams, of the 2d troop of cavalry, of the 
Blues, is appointed aide-de-camp, and is to be respected ac- 
cordingly." (Signed) William Macpherson, 
Philadelphia, April i, ijgg. Brigadier-General. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 8l 

For some reason, not explained, tlie march of the troops 
was delayed until Thursday, April 4, at 8 o'clock, a. m., to 
which effect orders were issued on the 2d. The comnimd was 
to rentlezvous on the evening- of that day at the Spring- House 
tavern, on the Ridge Road, sixteen milei from Philadelphia, 
whence the)' were to march for the disaffected districts. 

Despite the orders to march on the 4th, the entire force did 
not leave on that day. One company of United States Ar- 
tillery, commanded by Captain Elliott," left the city on the 3d, 
the day first named, and, on Friday, the 5th, two troops of 
volunteer cavalry, and the four city troops of horse, got off, 
but the main body, under command of General Macpherson 
in person, left the morning of the 4th. They assembled at 
their quarters at an earl\' hour; thence proceeded to the 
place of general rendezvous, and took up the march amid the 
shouts of the populace. As they passed through the city to 
the sounds of martial music, with frying colors, and "decked 
in all the pomp, pride and circumstance of glorious war," they 
created a great sensation. The streets were lined with citizens 
who had turned out to witness the display ; and while the men 
whirled their hats and shouted their huzzas, the ladies waved 
their handkerchiefs and otherwise manifested their admira- 
tion of the glittering pageant. But once since the close of the 
war of Independence had so large a body of troops been 
called together in this section of the Union, and, upon this 
occasion, the number, as Avell as the nature of their service, 
caused the display to receive more than usual eclat. Passing 
out of the city the troops struck the Ridge Road,'" along 
which they marched to the Spring House, Montgomery 
county, where they made their camp the same evening. 

As they marched through the country, the people flocked to 

'5 Joseph Elliott, South Carolina, was appointed Lieutenant of Artillery, March 14, 
1792; transferred to ist artillery and engineers, May 9, 1794; promoted captain July 
19, 1796, and resigned December 29, iSoo. 

1' The Ridge Road opened about 1700-1701, was one of the early roads leading from 
the Whitemarsh district to Philadelphia. In " Watson's Annals" I find this mention of 
it: "William Harmer, John Fisher, Daniel Howell, Edward Burch, Thomas Rutter and 
Nicholas Scull applied (to Colonial Council) for a road from the limelcilns for carting of 
lime to Philadelphia, extending from the ' kilns into Plymouth road near Bressoon.' This 
■ was the beginning of this road. The recent History of Montgomery county says : "We 



82 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

the highways to gaze at the " Federal Army," as they called 
it, but. as the expedition was disapproved, they received but 
few marks of approbation in the rural districts. 

Headquarters was still at the Spring House on the 9th, on 
which day General Macpherson issued an address to the in- 
habitants of the disaffected districts. It was published in 
German, and the object appears to have been to call the peo- 
ple back to their duty; but inasmuch as they had ceased their 
opposition to the law some time before, and quietly submit- 
ed to its provisions, the address was uncalled for and without 
effect. The advent of the troops had a tendency to irritate 
any existing soreness in the public mind, instead of allaying 
it, and therefore did harm instead of good. The following is 
the address : 

" William Macpherson, Brigadier-General" of the armies of 
the United States, commander of the troops ordered to act 
against the insurgents of the counties of Northampton, Mont- 
gomery and Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, to the peo- 
ple of the aforesaid counties : 

Fellow Citizens : — " Being ordered by the President of 
the United States to employ the troops under my command, 
or, according to circumstances, further military force to pro- 
cure submission to the laws of the United States, and to sup- 
press and disperse all unlawful combinations, which have been 
made to obstruct the execution of the aforesaid laws, or any 
of them, by main force and power, I, therefore, have thought ] 

know, by William Scull's map, of 1770, that the Egypt or Ridge road had been laid out 
for several years, for it is denoted thereon as leading to Friends' Meeting house in 
Providence." On a map of Norriton, made in 1771, it is called " Road to Philadelphia 
called Egypt road." It was extended through the borough of Norristown sometime be" 
fore 1770. The Ridge Road terminates in Philadelphia at Ninth and Vine streets, and is 
known after it enters the city limits as Ridge Avenue, and is a much traveled highway 
leading to the northwestern part of the city, on which a line of passenger cars runs. In 
1829, the United States mail was robbed on the Ridge Road, within the present built-up 
portion of the city, which created great excitement at the time. The robbers, Porter, 
Wilson and Potete were arrested and tried. One of them turned states evidence and the 
two others were hanged. How far General Macpherson marched on the Ridge Road 
before leaving it and striking across country to the Bethlehem road along which he 
marched to reach the Spring House, is not knovv'n. No doubt he marched up Ninth 
street, to Vine, and there took the Ridge Road, as this seems to have been his most 
practicable way of leaving the city. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 83 

it proper to inform the people of the said counties, and all 
others whom it may concern, of the danger to which they ex- 
pose themselves by combining in unlawful proceedings, or 
giving any assistance or encouragement to those who are con- 
cerned therein ; and likewise to re[)resent to them how just 
it is to submit to the laws, in general, but particularly to those 
against which they have opposed themselves in the most 
violent manner. It cannot be unknown to you, my fellow 
citizens, nor to any part of the people of the United States 
that submission to the laws, constitutionally made, is abso- 
lutely necessary for the support of the government ; and that 
in a republic, where laws are made by general consent, this 
consent must be manifested by the majority of such persons 
as have been appointed for that jnirpose by the people in 
general, according to the constitution." 

After pointing out the duty and necessity of the people to 
submit to the laws when made, he proceeds to discuss the 
constitutional power of Congress to lay the tax in question, 
and points out the article under which the law was passed. 
" The United States were threatened with the resentment of a 
very powerful, very ambitious and very revengeful nation," 
and that the tax was necessary to raise money in order "to 
provide for the common defense and general welfare" of the 
country. He next speaks of the tax and the manner in which 
it was to be assessed, of which he says : 

" In laying this tax Congress paid the greatest attention to 
the situation and wants of the people, and distributed it in 
such manner the burden almost totally falls on the richer 
part, and the poorer class are greatly screened from the effects 
thereof. It is laid on land, dwelling houses and slaves ; but 
as there are no slaves in this State, the whole tax falls upon 
the lands and dwelling houses. The lands are to be taxed 
exactly to their value, be the owner whom he may, but the 
dwelling houses are appraised at a different rate. The poor 
man whose house, outhouses and lot, not exceeding two acres, 
are worth less than $100 has nothing to pay ; and if it were 
worth $100 the tax would be only 20 cents. According to the 
same rule, other houses of a higher value pay as follows: If 



^4 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

worth $200, 40 cents ; $300, 60 cents ; $400, 80 cents, and 
$500, one dollar, from which you will perceive, my fellow- 
citizens, that the house tax is according to the value of the 
house, at 20 cents to $100; but for houses from $500 to a 
$1000 value the tax rises for each $iOO, 30 cents ; so that a 
house of the value of $600 will have to pay six times 30 cents 
or $1.80., If worth $700, $2.10; $800, $2.40; $900, $2.70; 
$1000, $3. 

"At this rate the rich man, with a house rated at $1000, has 
to pay three times as much tax as the poor man whose house 
is rated at one-half that sum, viz: $500; and thus the tax 
operates progressively to the most costly houses and opulent 
people, until the value of their houses is taxed in proportion, 
five times as high as those of their poorer fellow citizens, 
whose houses are worth only from $100 to $500. A house 
worth $100 pays 20 cents, which is only the one-fifth part of 
one per cent, of its value ; a house worth $30>,cco paj-s $300, 
which is one whole per cent, of its value, and consequently 
five times as much in proportion as the former. Hereb)', 
my fellow citizens, you must be convinced that an opposition 
to this tax in our counties is not only contrary to the Con- 
stitution, the laws, and every principle of good government, 
but, in itself, inconsistent and ridiculous, as the tax which is 
opposed is the most easy on the poorest citizens, whom they 
irritate to opposition. Many of their houses., however, would 
have no tax to pay, an.d very few more than $1.00 each, for 
very few of their houses would be rated at more than $500. 
It is true, they will be subject to a land tax, but the tax on 
houses must first be deducted from the whole quota of the 
State, and what is then deficient will be laid upon the land. 
The houses in this State will probably pay the greatest part 
of the tax, perhaps the whole, and, in that case, no tax will 
be laid upon the land, and those whose houses are rated at 
less than one hundred dollars will be exempt from the tax. 
As a further proof of the attention of Congress to the wishes 
and accommodations of the people, they have, during the 
last session, repealed that part which required a statement of 
the windows of each dwelling house, and which, as it after- 



THE FRTKS KKBELLION. 85 

ward appeared, \i'as more disagreeable than nccessar)- or 
useful. Therefore no further account of the windows has 
been demanded. I'o ascertain the value of the lands and 
houses was a difficult matter, anti connc.-cted with a i^reat deal 
of expense, but wdien once done need not be rej)eated. Cireat 
pains were takcMi and the most effective measures employed to 
select people of j^ood character who understood the business 
well, and whose interest weie ecjually involved with their fel- 
low citizens to have the business accurately executed. " He- 
sides, this act is not perpetual, being only for one year, and 
will n< t be continued unless the pul)lic good demands it, and 
not otiierw'se than with the consent of the i:)eopie through 
their representatives. As for those wlio have, in so treason- 
able a manner, opposed the execution of such lawful, necessary, 
and, for that part of the citizens who are the least able to pay 
taxes, indulgent law, there can, therefore, be p.o excuse. The 
bad consequences which they draw upon themselves by their 
criminal conduct the\' cannot impute but to their own blind- 
ness, obstinac}' and malice. On tlie contrar\', ever\' necessary 
step will, and must be, taken to bring them, and all others who 
have aided and abetted them, to sidDmission and trial by due 
, course of law, in order that their punishment may serve as an 
example to others and prevent a Jike course in the future. 
The necessity of emploving arms against a number of our 
fellow citizens is painful, but the consccjuences must be im- 
puted to those, whose traitorous conduct has produced the 
present disturbances, and not to government, who, according 
to its most sacred duties, is obliged to maintain order, and 
enforce obedience to the laws. 

" Rut all those wh.o return quietly to t'.eir homes, and 
abstain from any participation in these unlawful acts, either 
through open aid or secret abetting, counsel, or information, 
shall obtain the utmost protection to their persons and 
property. 

" Every precaution shall be taken that the march of the 
troops shall not be troublesome to the citizens; all subsistance 
shall be punctually paid for, and the strictest discipline ob- 
served. Let me, therefore, my fellow citizens, warn and 



S6 THE FRIES REBELLION". 

entreat you as you love your country and extenuate the happi- 
ness consistent with liberty, order and peace ; as you wish to 
avoid the necessity of human bloodshed, which is as much 
repugnant to my wishes as those of the President ; as you 
abhor the horrors of a civil war, and the crimes and punish- 
ment of traitors, let me conjure you to shut your ears against 
the counsels of those malicious persons who would lead you 
to destruction in order to satisfy their own ambition, while 
they screen themselves from punishment due to their crimes; 
who try to seduce you to take up arms against the laws and 
governments of your country, and involve yourselves in a 
contest, as hopeless as it is criminal, against the power of the 
United States; who speak to you of peace and liberty while 
they are kindling civil war; who complain of expenses while 
they are forcing the government to augment them, in order to 
suppress sedition and revolt ; and who plume themselves 
upon being Republicans, while transgressing the most essential 
principles of Republican government ; to wit : obedience to 
the laws made by the decision of the majority. 

"Therefore, I forewarn you not to aid or abet those violaters 
of the law in any manner, so that you may avoid a participa- 
tion of their crimes, and the consequent punishment. 

"Given under my hand and seal at Headquarters, April 
6, 1799." 

(Signed) WiLLlAM Macpherson. 

(Signed) John Williams, Aid-de-Camp. 




^■he f^T'ie^ Rebellion. 



CHAPTER IX. 

t^ev. Cl-^arles Menr-y I lelmutH Issues aii Address 

When the address of General Macpherson was pubh'shed, it 
was accompanied by a letter, from the Rev. Mr. Hehiiuth/ ad- 
dressed to the German population in general, and the people 
of Northampton, in particular: 

"TO THE TEOrLE OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY." 

"■ Frioids and Brethren in the Faith : — Excuse my address- 
ing these lines to you ; where there is fire, everybody is bound 
to extinguish it, and the clergyman is no more to be blamed 
for lending his aid than any other citizen. I am depressed 
with anxiety on your account. I know the consequence of 
conduct like yours ; many of you will doubtless be appre- 
hended and confined, some perhaps will pay the forfeit with 
their lives. You know it is the duty of the clergy of the city 
to warn such miserable persons, and prepare them as much as 
in their power for the awful change. My heart was much op- 
pressed. 



1 J. Henry Charles Helmuth was a distinguished Lutheran clergyman, of Philadelphia, 
for his piety and zeal, and he is credited with hoping his appeal to the German popula- 
tion might restore quiet and order. We give both the address of General Macpherson 
and Mr. Helmuth because they are part of the documents bearing on the "Rebellion," 
and help to make up its history. Macpherson's address is a stilted affair and not called 
for. From its date, the Rev. Jlelmuth's letter was written before the troops marched, 
and not published until after that of the General's. A citizen of Northampton replied 
to it with some bitterness, calling him to account for meddling with things that did not 
concern him. We were not able to find a copy of this letter among the contemporane- 
ous records and newspapers we examined. 



(87) 



gg THE FRIES REBELLION. 

" I thou;^ht, alas ! perhaps the same circumstances as those of 
1794 will again occur; perhaps other thoughtless people will 
fall into the same wretched situation because they were igno- 
rant, and were deluded, and what would be your feelings if you 
had to witness their sorrow and anguish, their agonies of 
death? You should have warned the miserable creatitres ; he 
would then perhaps have been saved; but you neglected to 
warn him, and are therefore responsible for the destruction of 
him and h.is. Such were the melancholy reflections that in- 
duced me to write you these lines. 

" 1 trust that \'ou will thii k, vv^hen you read this, as you may 
in truth : This man is sincere for our welfare — why then 
should we think it improper in him to send us this advice .•' If 
he even should now and then say some things that are not 
perfectly agreeable to us we will still take it in good p.irt, for, 
perhaps, he is in the right, perhaps we have been deluded, we 
may have been deceived. If such be your thoughts you will 
soon find them perfectly correct. 

"You have hitherto entitled yourselves to the character of 
industrious and religious citizens of the Union, and most of 
the Germans still deserve that praise ; but, sorrowful to re- 
late, you have suffered yourselves to be spurred on to the 
most abominable injustice, to actual rebellion against the 
government you yourselves have chosen. How happy it is 
that your number is but small, amongst the serious, and that 
the far greater part of them view your inconsiderate conduct 
Avith detestation ! You all know that government cannot ex- 
ist without taxes ; at least your Bible should so instruct you ; 
read Romans, I2th chap., 1-7 ; read it attentively. 

" Do but reflect reasonably on your conduct. Even the holy 
passion week have you profaned with the works of actual re- 
bellion. You have undertaken to oppose a tax, which is as 
favorable to the country people as any tax can possibly be ; 
for the rich inhabitants of the cities pay by far the greatest 
proportion of it ; you have undertaken to oppo.se the tax 
which never would have been made had not the govern- 
ment been necessitated to make defensive preparations against 
the attacks of the French ; a nation that aims at the over- 



THE FRIES REBELLION. '89 

throw an-.l distraction of all religion, against a people that 
would scarcely have dared to attack and plunder us if they 
had not bjen certain they had their adv^ocates among us. 

"You do not consider the dreadful consequences of such 
opposition as you have made ; I will therefore inform you of 
some of them. 

" In the first place, an army of several thousand men will 
be m irched into your neighborhood ; you well know that in 
spite of every possible attention of commanding officers, ex- 
cesses will be committed by an army. You will be more or 
less prevented from following your usual occupations, and 
yourselves and families will be put in greater terror and ap- 
prehension. 

"Second, Tiie army will cost money, and the money the 
government will have to raise by direct ta.xes, for which you 
must thank your own opposition. The western expedition in 
1794 cost a million of dollars ; from this you miy judge what 
expenses you will bring on yourselves and fellow citizens by 
your scandalous insurrections. 

" Thirdly, If you make any further opposition you will 
necessarily be treated as rebels, and, before a month has 
passed, many of you will be in prison. They will be torn 
from their wives and children, and some will probably suffer 
an ignominious death. 

" Alas ! my heart bleeds for you. You have been told a 
thousand falsehoods. You have been told that the militia ap- 
proved of your violence, and would not march against you. 
But you have been wrongfully deceived. For my own part I 
have heard many speak of your conduct, but I have not heard 
one approve of it ; your best friends (if those are your best 
friends who agreed with you in political opinions) say the oc- 
currences in Northampton are very unjustifiable ; the in- 
surgents must be subdued ; what would become of us if every- 
body were to create an insurrection ? This is the substance of 
what is thought and said of your conduct— and you may de- 
pend upon it, that the government could, at a very short no- 
tice, muster upward of 20,000 men, if such a number were 



go THE FRIES REBELLION. 

necessary, wlio would willingly march against you. Every 
one cries shame ! shame ! upon you. 

" I beseech you to mark well the character of these men 
who have enticed you to tiiis insurrection. Are there not 
many of them who spend more money at the taverns in the 
course of a few evenings than their whole tax amounts to ? 
Honest Christian men will never advise to rebellion, but more 
especially against a government which has scarcely its equal 
under the suti. No ; the)' are wicked, restless men, who have 
deceived themselves and you. 

" It is your misfortune that you have suffered the habit, to 
grow upon you, of scandalizing the government ; of cursing, 
instead of blessing it ; and then indeed there are enough to be 
found, who, having particular ends in view, will scheme with 
you ; persons who wish for your friendship on election day, in 
order that they may get a lucrative office under the very gov- 
ernment that they blaspheme. When matters come to ex- 
tremities, these deluders know perfectly well how to slip their 
necks out of the halter and let the deluded suffer. These, 
who, in comparison with the former, are innocent, will be left 
to bake as their deceivers have brewed. Think of me when 
you experience this sorrowful truth. 

"Alas! you have been most scandalously deceived: from 
my sold I pity you ! But what is now to be done ? Listen, and 
take m\^ advice. It is possible that the Marshal will be sent 
with an armed force to seize the wretches who ojaposed him 
in arms. For God's sake do not let yourselves be prevailed 
upon to abet those rebels; for should you be found in their 
company, you will certainly be punished with them. 

" Rather endeavor to persuade them to deliver themselves 
up to the proper authority, and this would be the wisest 
course they could pursue; but if they will not do so give the 
Marshal every assistance he may require, for it is your duty. 

" Take my advice ; affection for you and the impulse of con- 
science have compelled me to write you this letter. 



THE FUIKS RKBKI.LION. 9I 

If you follow my counsels you will tlo well, if not, I have 
done ni}' duty. Re assured that I remain your friend," 

(Signed) "J. Hkx\kv Chari.ES Helmuth." 

" Philadelphia, March 28, I'jgg^ 

The troops quartered at the Spring House" tavern and farm 
houses in the neighborhood the night of April 4, and, the 
iiext morning, several cavalry companies resumed the march 
up the old Bethlehem roacP for Seller's tavern." This was the 

'•i The Spring House is on the Rethleheni road, in Gwynedd township, Monijjoniery 
county, twenty miles from Philadelphia. It is an old settlement. The inn has been a 
famous hostelry in its time and was probably licensed as early as 1735. The village con- 
sists of a store and a dozen houses. I'\iur incorporated turnpikes meet here. On his 
pedestrian Uip to Niagara, iSo^, Alexander Wilson, the ornithologist, stopped over 
night at the Spring House, and wrote its praise inverse : 

" The road was good, tlie passing scenery gay. 
Mile after mile passed unperceived away. 
Till in the west the day began to close, 

And Spring House tavern furnished us repose, 
There two long rows ui' market folks were seen, 

Ranged front to front, the table placed between. 
Where bags of meat and bones, and crusts <>f bread, 

And hunks of bacon all around were spread ; 
One pint of beer from liij to lip went round. 

And scarce a crumb the hungry house dog found ; 
Torrents of Dutch from every quarter came. 

Pigs, calves and saurkrout the important theme ; 
While we, on future ]jlans revolving deep. 

Discharged our Ijills and straight retired to sleep." 

'■' The Bethlehem road was originally laifl out from the land of Peter Trexler, in the 
present Lehigh county, then in Pucks, to the Spring llnuse tavern, Philadelphia county, 
now Montgomery, i735- '*>' R"bert Thomas, John Ro.jeris, Hugh Evans, and Jan Jan- 
sen, viewers. It was one of the great arteries of travel for more than a century from ],e- 
high to Philadelphia, and was tapped by numerous latteral roads. It was gradually ex- 
tended up the country as the settlements went north, reaching Nathaniel Irish's stone 
quarry, in the Hellertown road, at Iron Hill, 1738, and Bethlehem and Nazareth, 1745. 
It crossed the Lehigh a short distance below Bethlehem, at the head of the island now 
ownedby the Bethlehem Iron Company. It was piked in 1S05-06. The Old Bethlehem 
road unites with the New Bethlehem road at Line Lexington. 

* Sellers' tavern, the present Sellersvilie, is on the North Penn. railroad, in Rockhill 
township, Bucks county, and, before the railroad was built, was a noted inn on the Beth- 
lehem road. Philip Henry ZoUer was the first of the family to settle in that section 
about the middle of the last century. His son, Samuel Sellers, built a house and opened 
a tavern there, about 1780, a small stone square structure, two stories and an attic. Here 
his son, Thomas, was born, 1787. On the death of his father he took possession and 
owned it many pears, keeping a store and tavern. He was the first postmaster, 1S20; 
was prominent in affairs, and elected sheriff and to the Legislature. It has had several 
owners, each occupant making some alterations. After Thomas Sellers came Peter 
Kneckel, Amos Jacoby, Simon Jacoby, Harry Jacoby &c., down to C. M. Hartzell, the 



g2 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

present Sellersville in Rockhill township/ Bucks county, on 
the line of the North Pennsylvania railroad. They got there 
that day and encamped on the farm of Andrew SchHchter, 
which, we believe, is still in the family, and was occupied by a 
grandson a few years ago. General Macpherson probably did 
not follow with the main body until the 6th, as his address 
bears the date of that day. There is, however, a conflict as to 
the date of its publication, for while the address itself is dated 
the 6th, the Philadelphia Daily Achtertiser^ states it was pro- 
mulgated on the 5th, the day the cavalry resumed their 
march. If this date be correct General Macpherson probably 
marched with the cavalry. The whole force was now as- 
sembled at Sellers' tavern, where headquarters was established. 
Judge Peters arrived at ii o'clock on Saturday morning to be 
at hand to bind over, for appearance at court, any persons who 
might be arrested. General Macpherson appointed Robert 
Goodloe Harper,' Esq., an additional aide-de-camp, and other 

present owner. The interior was recently modernized, and a new porch built in front, 
but the old walls are there. The village was erected into a borough, 1874, and the popu- 
lation is about 1200. 

* Rockhill, a townsliip in Bucks county, was settled by Germans between 1720 and 
1730, and that nationality continues largely the ruling element. It lies in the northwest 
section of the county and borders Montgomery. The township was organized in 1740, 
with an area of 14,343 acres, and is one of the most pxjpulus townships in the county. 
Perkasie Manor, a tract of 10,000 acres, granted by William Penn, in trust to his son 
John, 1 701, was partly in Rockhill. The township is well watered and fertile. Sellers' 
tavern, the first objective point of Macpherson's army, is in Rockhill township. 

5 The Daily Advertiser, which had its birth as The Peniisyli'atiia Packet and General 
Advertiser, 1771, and was the first newspaper established in Philadelphia, in the Revolu- 
tionary period. Its publisher was John Dunlap, a man of varied abilities and broad en- 
terprise, and took David C. Claypole into partnership. In 1784 it developed into a daily, 
the first daily newspaper published in America, under the name of The Daily Adver- 
tiser. It wielded great influence. On September 19, 1796, Washington's farewell ad- 
dress to the people of the United States, first appeared in its columns, the manuscript of 
which Washington allowed Claypole to retain. During the prevalence of the'yellow 
fever in Philadelphia, in the summer and early fall of 1798, the office of the Advertiser 
was removed to Germantown. The paper ceased to exist many years ago. 

' Robert Goodloe Harper was born near Fredericksburg, Va., in 1765. For a time he 
served in the army during the Revolution, He graduated at Princeton, 1785; was ad- 
mitted to the Bar of Charleston, S. C, 1786; member of Congress, 1794-1801. Served 
in the War of 1812, being promoted from Colonel to Major-General. He was elected 
U. S. Senator from Maryland and served in that body, 1816-1821. As an associate of 
Joseph Hopkinson he participated in the impeachment trial of Judge Chase of the U. S. 
Supreme Court ; in 1821 he became the Federalist candidate for Vice President of the 
United States. He was an eminent jurist and statesman. He died at Baltimore, January 
15. 1825. 



THE FRIES REBELLION, 93 

arrangements were made to perfect the organization of the 
troops, and have them in the best possible shape for the war 
they were about entering on. 

From this point the active operations of the campaign were 
to commence. Thev^ were within striking distance of the 
houses of the leaders of the disturbance in Bucks county, 
whom they sought to secure. Fries was the first object of 
capture, and, the same day the troops encamped at Sellers' 
tavern, a scout was organized to effect his arrest. Some of his 
acquaintance had given General Macpherson information of 
his whereabouts, and one, a neighbor, agreed to accompany 
the troops as guide. The detail for this purpose consisted of 
four companies of cavalry, two commanded by Captains Port- 
er and Wharton, but the names of the commanders of the 
other two we have not been able to learn. The troops left 
camp soon after noon piloted by David Penrose, who lived at 
Bunker Hill." It was known he was engaged that day to cry 
a vendue for one Fried at this place, and it was the intention 
to capture him while thus employed. They continued their 
march up the old Bethlehem road in the direction of that 
point. 

In the forenoon, when Fries was on his way to the vendue, 
he passed by the residence of William Edwards, father of the 
late Caleb Edwards, Ouakertown, who, with his son, was 
making fence along the road. Mr. Edwards told Paries he 
would be arrested if he went to the vendue, and he had bet- 
ter stay away. He replied he was not afi'aid, and that no one 
or two men would take him. Edwards said there would be 
more than one or two there, but Fries made no reply and con- 
tinued on his way. He was afoot and accompanied by his 
little black dog. Mr. Edwards' son soon m'ounted his father's 
stallion and rode down to the vendue, where a large number 
of people were collected ; the fact that the troops were ex- 
pected probably bringing more together than usually as- 
sembled at such places. When the troops were first seen ap- 

8 Bunker Hill is on the New Bethlehem road, the line between Richland and Rockhill 
townships, and contains a store and a dozen dwellings. The old inn has been closed 
many years. 



g4 THE FRIES REBELLION", 



n 



preaching, about half a mile below the tavern, Fries was o 
the head of a barrel, bell in his hand crying off an article ;: 
this he knocked down to the bidder without much cere- 
mony, then jumped to the ground and took to his heels. 
The commanding officer rode up and ordered the people tO' 
stand, but, having become alarmed, they did not heed his 
order, and broke and ran in all directions, pursued by the 
troopers. Among the others was one Trumbower, who, 
choosing to trust to his heels, was chased by a soldier. He made 
for a fence which he mounted and sprang over, but just at this 
time the trooper rode up and made a stroke at him with his 
sabre, which he fortunately avoided and the blow fell upon 
the fence. The sabre was broken into three pieces, and Trum- 
bower made his escape. The name of the soldier was Owen 
Foulke, belonging to one of the Philadelphia companies of 
cavalry. Caleb Edwards ran for his horse which he mounted 
to ride home ; he was stopped by the soldiers ; but David 
Penrose, the guide, coming up, told them to let him go, and 
he was permitted to ride away. 

In the meantime Fries had succeeded in getting away from 
the crowd, and, for the time being, eluded his persuers. In 
the confusion, which followed the arrival of the troops and 
flight of the crowd, it was some little time before an attempt 
was made to follow him. As none of the command knew him, 
they had to trust to their guide for his recognition. A search 
was instituted among those who remained upon the ground 
and about the premises, and, not finding him, inquiry was 
made as to the direction he had taken. This information was 
soon furnished. Upon leaving the vendue ground, Fries made 
for a nearby swamp, in a meadow on the farm of John Kach- 
line, half a mile from Bunker Hill, where he concealed him- 
self in a bunch of briars. The soldiers distributed themselves 
through the meadow as he was suspected of being there, and 
made a thorough search. He would have remained undis- 
covered, had not the presence of his dog betrayed his hiding 
place. He offered no resistance. He was brought back to 
the tavern, when a horse of Samuel Edwards was seized, upon 



THE -FRIES REBEELEON. '95 

which he was tied and taken under the escort of the troops 
down to Sellers' tavern, where he was placed in close confine- 
ment. 

There is a difference of opinion as to the place of capture 
of Fries. The Philadelphia Advertiser of April 8, 1799, 
jn speaking- of the affair, states he was taken in a wood and 
was not secured until after a pursuit of nearly five miles. Our 
information was obtained from Caleb Edwards, of Quakertown, 
who was present at the vendue the day of the arrest, and was 
conversant with all the facts of the case. We think his state- 
ment more reliable than that of a newspaper editor who lived 
at a distance of thirty miles from the scene of action. The 
same evening a detachment of cavalry from the first and third 
city troops left camp about sunset to arrest Eberhart, another 
of the insurgents. He was taken in his own house, in the 
night, and, of course, made no resistance. The troops called at 
the houses of several other disaffected persons, but found none 
of them at home, they having probably fled at their approach. 
They returned to camp the ne.xt morning before day-break, 
after a ride of between forty and fifty miles. As soon as 
Eberhart heard of the approach of the troops, he became 
much alarmed and began to sec the danger in which he stood. 
The day that Fries was taken he called upon Mr. Foulke and 
begged him to shield him from the militar}%and pleaded, in ex- 
tenuation of the opposition he had made to the law, that he 
was drunk at the time. An officer, who writes from the camp 
at Sellers' tavern, under date of April 6, says when the cap- 
ture of Fries was announced, "The joy manifested on this oc- 
casion was not to be described ; the cheers from the encamp- 
ment were loud and repeated." The following extract from a 
letter written at Quakertown, on April 8, considered the mat- 
ter in a less serious light, and the writer presumed to turn the 
campaign and capture of Fries into ridicule. The author was 
probably an ofificer or soldier of the command although that 
fact is not stated. He says: 

" It will doubtless afford you much satisfaction to hear of 
the success of our arms against the rebels. Truxton's splen- 
did naval victory must yield to the superior splendor of the 



g6 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

late action, which took place on the 5th instant, in the neigh- 
borhood of Quakertovvn. Fries, the noted insurgent leader, 
who, by profession, is a vendue cryer, and who, on that ac- 
count, had obtained some ascendency over the multitude, was 
informed on the morning of the day of the action, (which was 
a day on which he was also to cry a vendue) that the federal 
troops were in the neighborhood, and that they were resolved 
to capture him, and all the world beside if they opposed them. 
Fries laughed at the account, said he would cry the vendue in 
spite of the standing army, and seemed to talk as if he was 
not afraid of them. However, while he was busily engaged in 
his work of the lungs to his great surprise he beheld, about 
half a mile distant, the troops approaching. He carried no 
arms for his defence but his heels, and, of course, the formid- 
able appearaiice of a regular and disciplined eirviy struck him 
with such a panic he threw down the fire shovel he was crying 
and made the best of his way to the woods. 

" The troops, with uncommon spirit and intrepidity marched 
on towards the crowd assembled at the vendue, and, with a 
menacing air, demanded the leader of the rebels. A boy of 
about eighteen, never having (I suppose) seen such boldness 
and intrepidity in military array, fled with uncommon precipita- 
tion. Several of the troopers desirous of exhibiting their zeal 
and activity in the cause of humanity, pursued the poor soul. 
For some time, by dint of dodging and taking the advantage 
of fences, he kept them at bay. They grew more and more 
warm, as the battle increased in dif^culty, and at last dis- 
charged their pistols at him and shot a hole through his hat ; 
this brought him to the ground. The troops drew their 
swords, and it is declared, by a person near the scene of action, 
that they wounded him severely, and would, no doubt, have 
killed him, had not some of those that were in the war been 
informed, that the person captured was not Fries, but a Dutch 
boy, 18 ! ! ! Fries had a dog — (this dog, no doubt, will be en- 
titled to a commission or a pension for life for his services) — 
this dog having missed his master was in search of him. 
Though as rank a rebel as Fries, no doubt, yet it is ten to one, 
that the sharp-scented warrior would not have smelt his track, 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 97 

and of course he would have escaped, had it not been for his 
own ofificei-s and federal dog. The troops, understanding that 
Fries had gone such a particular course, and upon some per- 
sons among the insurgents panting after him, the troops had 
the dog as a pilot, till they finally came in sight of the true 
rebel. Thus was Fries taken by his dog. A dog worth two 
of Homer's hero's dogs ! for he has, in a manner, quelled the 
formidable insurrection, an insurrection that has called forth 
the energies of government from all quarters. Now, if this 
Federal dog is treated according to his n^.erit, he will doubt- 
less obtain an appointment in the army; a troop of dogs under 
his command might be used to great advantage among the 
savage Germans, and thus might tluy obtain new iKinors 
ec|ual to the dogs of Cortez in South America." 

Another informant says that the night after the arrest of 
Fries, he was taken to the house of Samuel Thomas, father of 
the late Edward Thomas, of Quakertown, who lived in Rich- 
land township, near Fester's tanyard, on the Bethlehem road, 
where he was confined in a back room of a brick building- 
standing a few years ago, and probably at this time, and, in 
i86i, inhabited by Enos P. Nace. 

After the capture of John Fries, the military endeavored to 
make a prisoner of his son, Daniel, an active youth of i8, who 
was somewhat implicated with his father in his operations. 
They attempted to capture him at home, but he eluded them 
and took to the fields and woods. He was chased by the 
light horse into what was then called " Smith's Meadow." 
near Swamp Creek. ^ The bogs bore him and he ran across 
without hindrance, but the horses were too heavy and broke 
through, one of the riders falling off and breaking his arm. 
Seeing they could not persue young Fries acros-^ the meadow, 
they turned back and he escaped. During the imprisonment 
of his father, Daniel went to Philadelphia to be present at the 
trial and watch events. The authorities, hearing of him be- 

» Swamp Creek rises in Lower Milford township, Lehigh county, a mile from Steins- 
burg. Several small streams flow into it within a half mile, and it becomes a consider- 
able stream in the neighborhood of Milford Square, where it receives other affluents. It 
empties into the Perkiomen half a mile below Sumneytown, Montgomery county. 



98 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

ing in the city, made efforts to arrest him, but in this they 
were frustrated. Information of wliat was going on being 
conveyed to his friends, they concealed Daniel in a joiner's 
shop, until night, when he quietly left for home and reached 
it in safety. He was never apprehended. He lived and died 
near Sumneytown, Montgomery county, where I interviewed 
him in his /Sth year and received these facts from his own 
lips. 

The next day after the arrest of Fries, he was taken before 
Judge Peters and examined, and what he said was reduced to 
writing and signed by him. The following is a copy of what 
was produced at his trial and admitted in evidence against 
him. The confession is said to have been made voluntarily. 
THE EXAMINATION OF JOHN FRIES, APRIL 6, 1 799. 

"The examinant, confesses that he was one of the party 
which rescued the prisoners from the Marshal at Bethlehem ; 
that he was also one of a party that took from the assessors, at 
Quakertown, their papers and forewarned them against the 
execution of their duty in making the assessments. The 
papers were delivered with the consent of the assessors, but 
without force ; perhaps under the awe and terror of the num- 
bers who demanded them, and were by this examinant de- 
livered to the assessors. He confesses that, at the house of 
Jacob Fries, a paper was written on the evening preceding the 
rescue of the prisoners at Bethlehem, containing an associa- 
tion or agreement of the subscribers to march for the purpose 
of making that rescue ; but he is not certain whether he wrote 
that paper. He knows he did not sign it, but it was signed 
by many persons and delivered to the examinant ; he does 
not know where the paper is. The examinant confesses, also, 
that, some weeks ago, he wrote (before the assessors came into 
that township) an agreement which he, with others signed, 
purporting that, if an assessment must be made, they would 
not agree to have it done by a person who did not reside in the 
township, but they would choose their own assessor within 
their township. A meeting has been held in the township 
since the affair at Bethlehem for the purpose of making such 
a choice; examinant went to the place of election, but left it 



THE FRIES RERKLLION. (J9 

before the election opened. The examinant further ac- 
knowledges that his motive in going to Bethlehem to rescue 
the prisoners was not from personal attachment or regard to 
i any of the persons who had been arrested, but proceeded 
from a general aversion to the law, and an intention to im- 
pede and prevent its exaction. He thought that the acts for 
the assessment and collection of a direct tax did not impose 
the quota equally upon the citizens and therefore were wrong. He 
cannot say who originally projected the rescue of the prison- 
ers, or assembled the people for the purpose. The township 
seemed to be all of one mind. A man, unknown to the ex- 
aminant, came to Quakertown, and said the people should 
meet at Conrad Marks' to go to Millarst'nvn. The examinant 
says that, on the march of the people to Bethlehem, he was 
asked to take thq lead, and did ride on before the people un- 
til they arrived at Bethlehem. The examinant had no arms, 
and took no command, except that he desired the people not 
to fire until he should give them orders, for he was afraid, as 
they were so much enraged, there would be bloodshed. He 
begged them, for God's sake, not to fire, unless they had 
orders from him, or unless he should be shot down, and then 
they might take their own command. That he returned the 
papers of the assessors, which had been delivered into his 
hands, back to the assessors privately, at which the people 
were much enraged, and suspected him (Fries) of having 
turned from them, and threatened to shoot him, between the 
house of Jacob Fries and Quakertown." 

(Signed) "John Fries." 

Taken April 6, 1799, before Richard Peters. 

As soon as this examination had been taken, Fries and 
Eberhart were sent off to Philadelphia under the escort of a 
detachment of the city cavalry, where thej^ arrived the same 
evening, Saturday, and were lodged in jail to await their 
trial for treason. Their arrival and commitment were an- 
nounced in the newspapers the next morning, and created 
considerable excitement. 

I The troops broke camp at Sellers' tavern and marched for 
Quakertown, where they encamped, it is supposed, on the 6th. 



lOO THE FRIES REBELLION. 

They pitched their tents at three different points within the 
Hmits of the borough, two campanies being located at Pen- 
rose's pottery, belonging to the late Richard Moore. The 
same evening a detachment of cavalry was despatched in pur- 
suit of persons who were accused of having participated in the 
late disturbance. They were absent from camp all night, and 
after a hard scout returned the next morning with several 
prisoners. It was reported that Clergyman Eyerman was of 
the number, but this turned out to be a false rumor. He had 
put himself out of harm's way immediately upon his release at 
Bethlehem. While the army remained encamped at Quaker- 
town the troops were active in the pursuit of the disaffected, 
and scouts were sent out in all directions to apprehend them. 
On the seventh a detachment was sent into the region known 
as the Rocks,'" where some of the insurgents resided, and cap- 
tured several of them, whom they brought to camp, and 
placed in confinement. The troops remained here until the 
8th, when they struck their tents and marched for Millars- 
town, Northampton county. The presence of the troops 
at Quakertown inspired terror among the inhabitants in all 
that region of country, and their conduct caused great distress 
and suffering. In their zeal to arrest the guilty their dis- i 
pleasure often fell upon the innocent. Armed parties patrol- ] 
led the country in all directions, day and night, and it was 
only necessary to cast suspicion upon the most upright citi- 
zen to secure his arrest. Many persons took advantage of this 
state of things to have revenge upon their personal or political j 
enemies. The houses of quiet, unoffending people were en- j 
tered at the dead hour of night by armed men, and the hus- | 
band torn from the arms of his wife and screaming children ; 
and their terror was greatly increased by the belief that death 
awaited those who should be taken, whether they were in- 
nocent or guilty. The scenes of distress which took place 
among these poor people, upon such occasions, are described 
by the eyewitnesses as heartrendering. In many instances 
the troops added insult to injury, by exulting over the 
misfortunes of the poor creatures who had fallen into their 

1" The " Rocks" probably refer to the rocky section of Milford township. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



lOI 



hands. So general was the alarm that many of the inhabitants, 
persons of considerable property and respectable standing, 
came in and surrendered themselves to the military authori- 
ties. 




^he ^Fie^ Rebellion. 



CHAPTER X. 

The ^rmy N/Iarclr\es F'rom Quatiertown to ^ller^" 

to-wr\, ar\cl I^etut-r\s to Ph^ilacielpt^ia via 

I^eaciin$3. 

While the troops were encamped at Quakertown, and en- 
gaged in pursuit of those denounced as insurgents, an alarm- 
ing system of terror prevailed. This was carried to such ex- 
tent that a large majority of both officers and men, belonging 
to the expedition, became dissatisfied and disgusted with the 
duties they were called upon to perform. An officer thus 
writes to a friend in Philadelphia, from camp under date of 
April 8, 1799. 

" The system of terror here, J am sorry to say, is carried far 
beyond what, in my opinion, the public good requires. De- 
tachments are out every day, and night apprehending one or 
other individuals. I am well informed that from the time the 
members from this district in the State Legislature went 
among the people and stated to them the impropriety of in- 
terfering with the civil power, the magistrates could have ef- 
fected everything that government could require in the ap- 
prehension of any person in the district. There is scarcely 
an officer or private in this expedition who is not satisfied of 
this fact. The scenes of distress which I have witnessed 
among these poor people, I cannot describe, when we have 
entered their houses. Conceive your home entered at the 
dead of night by a body of armed men, and yourself dragged 
from your wife and screaming children. These poor people 

(102) 



THE FRIES REBELLION. IO3 

are extremely ignorant, but they have feehngs, and they always 
consider that death awaits any one who is seized, be he 
culpable or not. I am sorry to say there have been any 
instances of an inhuman disposition exhibited ; they have not 
indeed been many, but vaunting exultation over men, even if 
they are guilty, when they are captives is neither a proof of 
generosity or courage. Great numbers of the inhabitants are 
coming in voluntarily and surrendering themselves; many of 
them persons of respectable property, and of good standing 
in the neighborhood." 

The following is an extract from another letter, written 
from the same place while the army was encamped there and 
of the same date, which will give the reader some idea of the 
unpleasant state of feeling existing in the section of Bucks 
county where the disturbance had taken place. 

" Some of the townships have been at variance ever since 
the commencement of our Revolution ; and they have been 
characterized according as they took part for or against 
Britain, as Tory or H7//^ townships; they consist for the most 
part of Germans. The townships denominated Tory have 
always been attached to Mr. Adam's administration; the 
others of course had different politics. Much bitterness has 
been constantly exhibited on both sides; but an anecdote, 
which occurred on this occasion, will, however, give you a 
closer view than a general relation. It appears that persons 
of both descriptions were opposed to the window tax, or 
rather the Tories were opposed to the tax, and the Whigs to 
the assessors. The landlord of the house in which we were 
quartered had given information against several of his neigh- 
bors who lived in a 'Whig' township, and said they should 
be hanged together with Fries, but particularly Fries for hold- 
ing a captain's commissions in the last war. A person present, 
who heard him make this declaration, supposing he meant in 
the British service, said it was not so ; the landlord replied 
that it was true, and that a reference to the proceedings of 
Congress would show it, as well as the name of the Conti- 
nental battalion in which he served." 



I04 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

Among the letters written from Quakertown, while the 
troops were encamped there was one giving the name, and 
number, and persons who were taken, or had surrendered, 
which breathes quite a belligerent spirit toward the un- 
fortunates implicated, as the following extract will show : 

" We are here now two days, and shall proceed immediately 
to Millarstown ; when we reach that place I expect to be per- 
mitted to return home. We have been successful since we 
set out, and shall have a drove of rascals sufficient to fill a 
jail; we have already taken thirty-one of them; against, 
which there is sufficient proof to convict of high treason; the 
others of misdemeanor. Some of them are frightened almost 
to death ; the fear they are in is punishment almost sufficient 
for the greatest of the offenders. By to-morrow night we 
shall have about fifty more bad fellows; small fry are admitted 
to bail. The main guard is pretty well filled. 

"Some of the above persons came in and surrendered them- 
selves, by way of making peace, which saved the troops the 
trouble of going for them, and may save their lives as they 
expect by it." 

The following are the names given and the offences for which 

they were arrested : 

TREASON. 

John Fries, John Everhard, Jacob Huber, John Huber, 
Frederick Heaney, Christopher Socks, Jacob Klein, Sr., John 
Klein, Jr.. Daniel Klein, Abraham Braith, Jacob Klein, John 
Getman, George Getman, William Getman and Daniel Weidner, 

MISDEMEANOR. 

Aaron Samsel, Peter Hamberg, Abraliam Strong, Peter 
Heidrick, Jacob Huber, Henry Huber, Michael Breich, Abra- 
ham Heidrick, Henry Mumbower, George Mumbower, Peter 
Gable, Jacob Gable and Daniel Gable. 

HELD AS WITNESSES. 

George Mitchell and William Thomas. 

These sum up fifteen held for treason ; fourteen for mis- 
demeanor, and two at witnesses, thirty-one in all. There is 



THE FRIES REBELLION. I05 

hardly a name in the list that cannot be found amon<^ the 
residents of the German districts, of Bucks to-day, and are 
among the most prosperous, intelligent and respectable citizens. 

While this volume was in preparation," we received a letter 
from Mr. James C. Iden, an intelligent and highly respectable 
citizen of Buckingham township, Bucks county, detailing 
some interesting incidents connected with the Fries Rebellion, 
from which we imkc the following extracts. He writes: 

" I remember of hearing my mother say, that on the after- 
noon on which the insurgents marched to Ouakertown, 
and took the assessors, Foulke and Rodrock, prisoners, 
her father, James Cliapman, managing to elude them, arrived 
unmolested at his home, one mile west of Quakertown, (I 
think on the farm now occupied by P. Moyer) on the road to 
Milford Square. But apprehending an attack from Captain 
Fries and his party, he sent his family to pass the night at one 
of his neighbors, and then proceeded to barricade the doors 
and windows of his dwelling, having armed himself with guns, 
pistols, axes, etc., to repel an attack, should one be made. It 
proved, however, to be a needless precaution, as no attack was 
attempted. 

" One day, while the military were encamped within the 
disaffected districts, a company of troops was detailed to make 
some arrests. The persons, after whom they were sent, having 
got wind of their approach concluded to leave for parts un- 
known. Being closely pursued they took refuge under an 
arched bridge, and the troops rode over and passed them. 
Waiting a little while they ventured out again and made good 
their escape. The troops soon finding themselves at fault, 
and, suspecting how the matter stood, returned to the bridge 
and searched under it, but were too late as the quarry had 
flown. They returned to camp quite mortified at their ad- 
venture, and declaring it was the last time they would ride 
; over a bridge without examining it thoroughly. 

' " On another occasion a party was sent out to reconnoitre, 
but, finding nothing that required their attention, they con- 

* 1859-60. 



I06 THE FRIKS REBELLION. 

eluded to have some sport by shooting at a mark, taking a 
farmer's wheelbarrow for their target. Being within hearing 
distance of the camp, the report of their guns produced a 
great commotion therein, it being supposed they had met 
with resistance, and probably would send for reinforcements. 
After waiting on the tiptoe of e.Kpect ition for some time their 
trepidation was allayed by the return of the party to quarters, 
without, however, their having had the honor of receiving any 
wounds in their country's defense, or bearing with them any 
of the trophies of war. They and their commander, how- 
ever, when the cause of the firing was inquired into were fated 
to have their feelings wounded by a severe reprimand from 
his superior officer for such a flagrant breach of the rules of 
military discipline, accompanied by a peremtory order to lay 
siege to no more wheelbarrows during the campaign. 

" Many of the insurgents were arrested and examined as to 
the e.Ktent of their participation. One person, (a German) on 
being questioned as to whether he had carried arms, replied 
that he had carried an old mustick (musket,) but she was ' goot 
fer nossing, she would not ,^<3 /ooscJ He was asked, ' if so, why 
did you carry it'? His reply was, ' O, I dunnow — I dought 
mebby I might schkeer some potty.'" 

In the same letter Mr. Iden furnishes us the following sketch | 
of J imes Chapman, one of the assessors, which we insert at 
this point for want of a more appropriate place: 

I 
"James Chapman, my grandfather, I may say, was born in 

Springfield township, in October, 1743; that he learned the 

trade of a cabinet maker, but quit it about the time of his ' 

marriage, and commenced farming, surveying and conveyanc- jj 

ing, which he followed until age prevented, residing most of " 

the time in the vicinity of Quakertown. After the close of 

the Revolution he was employed by Judge Wilson, of Penna., 

Governor Hooper, of N. J., and others, to survey and locate 

lands for them in what are now Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and 

Wayne counties. He suryeved and located the State road 

from AUentown through Mauch Chunk, Wilkesbarre and 



THE FRIES REBELLION. IO7 

Towancla to the State line, (a profile of which I have) also the 
North and South road leadi^^" from the Wind Gap to the 
State line. 

'• In locating some lands for himself he entered a tract on the 
south side of Nesquehonino V^alley — the tract lying immedi- 
ately south of it being the one on which the Lehigh coal 
mines were afterwards discovered ; he giving the preference to 
the former on account of the ciuality of the timber, thereby 
missing, as it were, by a hair's breadth the accpiisition of 
almost boundless wealth. He held the appointment of county 
surveyor for many years, also the office of director of the 
poor at the time the almshouse was built in 1808. Some per- 
sons urged the directors to build it one story higher, which he 
opposed, saying that ' the taxpa}-ers of Bucks count)- would 
conclude that it was high enough by the time it wixs paid for.' 
He was one of the county commissioners in 18 12, when the 
court house was erected in Do)desto\vn. When his term ex- 
pired he was appointed clerk to the board of commissioners, 
which he held until a few months before his death, which oc- 
curred near Mechanics\'ille, in Buckingham township, 1821, 
aged nearly 78. 

" Being noted for his personal appearance, his weight being 
270 pounds, and also for his great sociability and fund of 
anecdote and read}- repartee, in connection with the length of 
his public life, there were comparatively few residents of the 
county at that day to whom he was not known ; persons of all 
ages and conditions addressing him by the familiar title of 
' Uncle Jimmy Chapman.' The generation to which he be- 
longed, have now nearly all passed away ; the venerable Na- 
thaniel Shewell,' of Doylestown township, being the only sur- 
vivor of his friends and associates, who now remains with us 
at the advanced age of nearly 100 years. ""''^ 

1 Nathaniel Shewell, a leading character of his generation in Bucks county, a descend- 
ant of Walter Shewell, who came from Gloucestershire, England, 1732, and settled in 
what is now Doylestown township. He built a handsome dwelling on a tract he pur- 
chased and called it " Painswick Hall," after his birth place. Betsy Shewell, the wife of 
Benjamin West, was a member of the family. Mr. Shewell was elected sheriff of the 
county, 1800, serving a full term of three years, and was appointed county treasurer, 
1820. Mr. Shewell died at the close of i860, his will being proved January 2, 1861. 



* About 1859-60. 



Io8 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

The army remained in camp at Quakertovvn until April 8, 
when the march was resumed toward Bethlehem, Northamp- 
ton county, in which region of country there were many in- 
surgents whose arrest was desired. On that day they march- 
ed but ten miles, when they agairr halted, and encamped, as 
some arrests were to be made in that neighborhood. It was 
a great relief to the inhabitants of Quakertown and the sur- 
rounding country when the army left that place, and many a 
prayer that they might never return was offered up. The ab- 
sence of the soldiers and harassing scouts soon restored the 
usual quiet in that section of the country, although the in- 
terest in the campaign was still kept up. Of the prisoners 
named, 19 were sent to Philadelphia, under an escort of 
cavalry commanded by Lieutenant Melbecke, where they ar- 
rived on Thursday, the i8th inst., and were turned over to the 
civil authorities. Conrad Marks, who will be rembered as an 
active participant in Bucks county, surrendered himself on 
the 17th to the deputy marshal. A writ had been issued for 
his arrest, and several parties of cavalry were sent in pur- 
suit of him, but he eluded them all, and, at last , thought 
proper to give himself up. He ofTere'd bail but it was refused, 
and he was sent to the city and thrown into prison. 

The army now proceeded to Millarstown, Lehigh county, 
where they again encamped, reaching this place probably on 
the loth. We have no means of knowing how long they re- 
mained there, but probably did not leave before about the 
16th. While encamped here they were joined by two more 
troops of horse, and a column of infantry. A grand review 
and inspection was held, and the troops are said to have pre- 
sented a very handsome appearance. From this point parties 
of cavalry were sent out in pursuit of the insurgents, and some 
arrests were made, but neither the number nor names is given. 
It is related that one of the captured was brought before a 
well known magistrate and was an.xious to know the fate that 
awaited him, to which the ofificial replied with becoming dig- 
nity, " in a fortnight the Circuit Court will meet, when you 
will be tried, and, in a fortnight after, will be in hell, sir." 
This circumstance is mentioned to show the bitterness of the 



THE FRIES REBELLION. IO9 

times, more than for any otlier purpose. Many excesses were 
also committed while the troops lay at Millarstown, and the 
same system of terror was maint.iined. An officer writing 
from camp under date of April 1 1, says : 

" With respect to military operations, they still continue; 
and the number of ])ersons confined in heavy irons increases. 
1 before mentioned to )'ou that some old men have suffered 
from their fetters. Several of them, who have been thus ac- 
coutred, marched through the county under a heavy guard. 
Rail to any amount has been offered for their appearance to 
take their trial, but this would not suit the system of terror, 
nor would it act as a warning to those who may be disposed 
to vote as they think best at the ne.xt election. All the ef- 
forts that have been made, however, will not i)roduce resist- 
ance, and when I tell you that a number of the troops who 
derive their authority from the Federal government, live at 
free quarters on tne people, you will not question their 
patience." 

Another ofificer writing from the same place, under date of 
April 10, thus speaks ot the expedition, and tlie unhajipy 
situation of things while the army remained in the countr)': 

" We are now quartered in a Whig town where the people 
have always been true Republicans. It appears now to be 
converted into an actual war between Whig and Tory. The 
people of Ouakertown I find have always been opposed to 
those who advocate arbitrar}' measures, and the funding sys- 
tem and standing arm)'. This place, however, appears to have 
been one of the places where the greatest opposition has been 
made to the assessors, who, being many of them engaged in 
hostility against the revolution must, of necessity, have ex- 
cited disgust and abhorrence in the breast of those who had 
fought, or whose fathers had bled, in fighting against the 
British. The inhabitants are principally Germans. Nearly 
all the male inhabitants, on the approach of our army, fled 
from their homes, and their wives and children exhibit a very 
unhappy scene of distress. Had I conceived that some things, 
which I have witnessed here could have taken place, I should 



no THE FRIES REBELLION. 

never have given my assent to march a mile on the expedi- 
tion. 

" One effect produced by the distress is that every individual, 
whom I meet, is disgusted, and a sentiment generally pre- 
vails, which, contrary to expectation, will, I apprehend, com- 
pletely destroy the federal influence at the next election. Had 
the Governor seconded Messrs. Hartzell, and the Senator 
from this district, by ordering a single troop of volunteer 
horse that is here under drums, I am persuaded that this 
business, of which so much has been made, would have termi- 
nated within the 24 hours that it took place ; and that no 
other weapons than reasoning would have been found neces- 
sary. Great numbers of the people have surrendered ; there 
are about seven detained in irons and I am grieved to see 
among them some old men, whose wrists are raw to the bone 
with the hand-cuffs. I would wish to see more humanity 
among my countrymen, but, unhappily we copy too much the 
cruel and unfeeling practices of the English. 

" A liberty pole had been erected in this place, which was 
cut down by force on the approach of the army. The inn- 
keeper, near whose house it stood, was arrested when we came 
up, although he had been previously at Philadelphia and 
given bail ; but, when a volunteer army proceeds thus what 
would the people have to fear from mercenaries, who have no 
interest at stake, no principle but obedience to arbitrary 
orders." 

A third letter written from the same point, says : 

" There are several of these poor creatures who are im- 
plicated by information, stirred up in the neighborhood, from 
the embers of old quarrels and animosities, whose distress is 
very great. Numbers of them, I am informed, are willing to 
give themselves up, relying on their innocence, provided they 
were sure of being admitted to bail ; but it is generally under- 
stood they will not. Pray, is there no magistrate in the city 
who has authority to receive bail? Is there no one who feels a 
sentiment that justice is incompatible with cruelty, and that 
the mildness of our laws does not authorize the infliction of 



THE FRIES REBELLION. Ill 

severe punishment before trial and execution ? I can scarcely 
persuade myself that I tread on the soil of Pennsylvania when 
I witness the sufferings of these poor, well-meaning, but 
ignorant, Germans. They are treated in no respect like citi- 
zens of the same country." 

The army marched from Millarstown to Allentown, the 
present county seat of Lehigh, by way of Bethlehem," but we 
cannot fix the exact date of leaving Millarstown. It was after 
April 15, for the troops were there then. They remained at 
Allentown only a few days, and, while there, do not appear to 
have been as active in making arrests and committing excesses 
as at other points. While the -army lay here an amusing oc- 
currence took place which is thus related by one who belong- 
ed to the expedition : 

" One night a sentinel, stationed near a wagon, reported 
that he heard some person about to make an attack upon it. 
The alarm was given, the drums beat to arms, and the whole 
command turned out. The arms were loaded with ball cart- 
ridge, and a member of Congress was sent out to reconnoitre, 
who, upon his return, reported that the enemy (insurgents) 
were in rear of the baggage in great force. The troops march- 
ed to the point, and a platoon was ordered to fire, when a 
heavy groan was heard, and a body fell to the earth. Some 
of the boldest ventured forward, and behold they had shot a 
bull which was making free with the forage that hung out of 
the tail of one of the wagons. The animal was paid for. This 
is believed to be the only thing the army killed on the ex- 
pedition." 

From Allentown the troops marched to Reading, in Berks 
county, by the way of Greenmeyer and Karackerstown, where 
they arrived on Saturday, April 20, at one o'clock. Writs had 
been issued for the arrest of sixteen persons in Greenmeyer 
township, but fourteen of them came in and surrendered 

2 Jacob Rice, of Bethlehem, in a note to the author, on the march of the army from 
Millarstown says : "The troops marched from Millarstown to Allentown, which lies 
northeast from the first named place, about 8 miles. Bethlehem lies due east from Al- 
lentown, distance 6 miles, consequently their route was not by way of Bethlehem. The 
troops, with the exception of a few horse, never came to Bethlehem." 



112 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

themselves, nnd the troops were sent in pursuit of tlie other 
two, but tlie\' could not be found. The arni)- made no stay at 
this place, but ;dmost immediateh' resumed the march for 
Philadelpliia, where a portion of the cavalr\' arrived on the 
22d, and the remainder, with Gener.d Macpherson, the ne.xt 
day. The regulars did not return to the seat of government 
at the same time as the volunteer corps, but remained en- 
camped there for a while. 

While the ami}' was in Reading, the members of one of the 
troops of \-olunteer ca\-<dry committed a gross outrage upon 
the person of one of the most respectable citizens of the 
town, without the least cause or jjrovocation, which created 
great indignati<m in the community. This consisted in forci- 
bly taking Jacob Schneider, the editor of the Reading Adlcr'' 
to the market house, and publicly whipping him, b}' the order 
of their captain. The following is Mr. Schneider's own ac- 
count of the affair, taken from the Adlcr of April 22, 1799. 

" On Saturday afternoon last, the troops, who were sent to 
seize upon some people in Northampton, called ' insurgents,' 
on their return from that expedition, arrived in this town, and 
last night and this morning they all, except the regulars, 
marched for their respective homes. 

" It is an old proverb, but certainly a true one, that in every 
fold, be it great or small, there can be found rotten sheep, so 
it happened here. This army was small, yet it was not with- 
out its rotten members, and some extremely so. But among 
the whole there were none that exceedeci Captain Mont- 
gomery's troop, of Lancaster Light Horse, not because, as 



3 The Reading Adler is the oldest German newspaper published in the United States, 
having been established November 6, 1796, by Jacob Schneider and George Gerrish. The 
second number was issued January 10, 1797, and each successive number of the paper 
has been i.ssued every week to the present time, without a single omission, covering a 
period of a hundred years. In 1S02, John Ritter, nephew of the senior member of the 
firm and a practical printer, was substituted for Mr. Gerrish. From 1843 to 1847, ^^'^• 
Ritter represented the county in Congress, and died in 1851, aged 73. The Ritter family 
had a continuous interest in the paper from 1802 to 1857, a period of fifty-five years. 
Other changes have taken place in the proprietorship, the last in 1874, when it fell to the 
possession of William S. Ritter. The Adler is a paper of great influence among the 
Germans, and a political power in the county. The Reading Eagle, a daily published 
by Jesse G. Hawley, may be called a child of the Adler. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 1 13 

they boasted themselves, it was their trade to catch rebels 
and abuse them — but because they carried their trade so far 
as to enter the houses and abuse peaceable and inoffending 
citizens, in a manner the most scandalous and cowardly. 

" As for example a part of them came to my printing office 
on Saturday last, not as men of character desirous of support- 
ing the law and the security of the peaceable citizens, but like 
a banditti of robbers and assassins. They tore the clothes 
from my body, and forcibly dragged me from my house be- 
fore their captain, who certainly proved himself worthy the 
command of his corps. He ordered his troops to take me to 
the public market house and give me twenty-five lashes on 
the bare back, and they proceeded to obey his orders ac- 
cordingly, and certainlv would have fulfilled them exactly had 
not some of Captain Leiper's troop, of Philadelphia, interfer- 
ed, reproached them for their illegal and tyrannical conduct, 
in consequence of which only a part of the sentence of Cap- 
tain Montgomery (six lashes) was inflicted." 

Complaint of this outrage was made to General Macpher- 
son by Colonel Heister' and Colonel Frailly, but he did noth- 
ing, and no redress could be had. Mr. Schneider was anti- 
P^ederalist. 

The prisoners in custody were confined in the common jail 
of the city of Philadelphia, until their trial. It is said their 
confinement was made unusuall}^ severe, and that an order 
was issued that none of their families, or friends, should be 
permitted to visit or hokl intercourse with them, which was 
carried into effect. 

The expedition, so far as its object, was to arrest those 
who had disturbed the public peace in the counties of Hucks 
and Northampton, had been entirely successful, and the lead- 
ers of the so-called insurrection were in the hands of the 
Federal authorities. The next step in the drama, or farce, 
for we hardly know which to call it, was the trial, condemna- 
tion and execution of the prisoners ; and the preliminaries to 

< The Heisters are an old and influential family of Berks and Lancaster counties, and 
have furnished one Governor to the State, Joseph Hcister, elected in 1814. 



114 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



this finale were urged with as much haste as common decency 
would permit. For an account of the proceedings attendant 
on the trial we refer our readers to the next chapter, where it 
will be as fully recounted as time and space will permit. 




^he fpiel Rebellion. 



CHAPTER XI. 



Trial of JohrL Furies. 

The trial of John Fries was the most extraordinary judicial 
proceeding our country ever witnessed. The political ran- 
cour, which had raged with such fierceness during the 
closing scenes of the administration of Mr. John Adams, 
was carried upon the bench and into the jury box, 
and aided, no doubt, to determine the law and the 
facts of this case. The Judge evinced an apparent dis- 
position to carry out the high handed measures which had 
been begun, and whether intentional or not, leaned with a 
strong bias against the accused. 

The Circuit Court of the United States, before which Fries 
and the other prisoners were to be tried, commenced its ses- 
session at Philadelphia, on April ii, 1799, the Hon. James 
Iredell,' one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of 
the United States, being upon the bench. The case was at- 
tracting such wide-spread interest, the court room was filled 
with an excited and deeply interested multitude, as soon as 
the doors were thrown open. After the court was duly 
opened for business, Judge Iredell delivered his charge to the 

1 James Iredell was of Irish ancestry, born in Lewes, county of Sussex, England, Oc- 
tober 5, 1751. His father was a merchant in Bristol. Iredell settled at Edenton, N. C, 
1768 ; studied law and was admitted to the bar, 1770. He was appointed to the Supreme 
Court of the State, 1777, and Attorney General, 1779. In 1790 Washington appointed 
him one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, and he held that of 
fice to his death, 1799. He exerted a strong influence in favor of the Revolution, 
although he did not take an active part at the beginning of the controversey — v/hile at the 
bar he aided much in giving tone and order to the judicial system of the State. 

UI5) 



Il6 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

grand jury, a production which was characterized by great 
partisan bitterness. He reviewed, at considerable length, the 
Alien and Sedition Laws, argued their constitutionality, 
and said they were called for by the spirit of the times. He 
next passed to the case of Fries, which he noticed with con- 
siderable particularity. He contended, in advance of the 
trial, and in the absence of testimony to sustain his opinion, 
that the crime with which he stood charged was Treason ; 
which, he said, consisted in opposing, by force of arms, the 
execution of any acts of Congress. The case was given to the 
grand jury, which retired to their room, where they made 
such examination of it as was necessary to satisfy their minds 
of the nature of the offence. When they returned into court 
they presented a true bill as against John Fries, who now 
stood indicted for Treason, the highest crime known to our 
law. The following is a copy of the indictment under which 
he was to be tried, viz: 

Indictment in the Circuit Court of the United States of Ameri- 
ca, in and for the Pennsylvania District of the Middle 
Circuit : 
" The Grand Inquest of the United States of America, for 
the PennsyK^ania District, upon their respective oaths and af- 
firmations, do present that John Fries, late of the county of 
Bucks, in the district of Pennsylvania, he being an inhabitant 
of, and residing in the said United States, to wit, in the dis- 
trict aforesaid, and under the protection of the laws of the 
said United States, and owing allegiance and fidelity to the 
same United States, not having the fear of God before his 
eyes, nor weighing the duty of his said allegiance and fidelity, 
but being moved and seduced by the instigation of the Devil, 
wickedly devising and intending the peace and tranquility of 
the said United States to disturb, on March 7, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-nine, at 
Bethlehem, in the county of Northampton, in the district 
aforesaid, unlawfully, maliciously and traitcrc iisl}- did com- 
pass, imagine and intend to raise and levy war, insurrection 
and rebellion against the said United States; and to fulfil and 
bring into effect the said traitorous compassings, imagina- 



THE FRIES REBELLION. II7 

tions and intentions of him the said John Fries, he the said 
John Fries, afterwards, that is to say, on March seventh, in 
the said year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and 
ninety-nine, at the said county of Northampton, in the dis- 
trict aforesaid, with a great multitude of persons, whose names 
at present are unknown to the Grand Inquest aforesaid, to a 
great number, to wit, to the number of one hundred persons 
and upwards, armed and arrayed in a warlike manner, that is 
to say, with guns, swords, clubs, stones, and other warlike 
weapons, as well offensive as defensive, being then and there 
unlawfully, maliciously and traitorously assembled and gather- 
ed together, did falsely and traitorously assemble, and join 
themselves together against the said United States, and, then 
and there, with force and arms, did falsely and traitorously, 
and in a warlike manner, array and dispose them against the 
said United States, and then and there, with force and arms, 
in pursuance of such their traitorous intentions and purposes 
aforesaid, he, the said John Fries, with the said persons so as 
aforesaid traitorously assembled, and armed and arrayed in the 
manner aforesaid, most wickedly, maliciously and traitorously 
did ordain, prepare and levy public war against the said 
United States, contrary to the duty of his said allegiance and 
fidelity, against the Constitution, peace and dignity of the 
said United States, and also against the force of the Act of 
the Congress of the said United States, in such case made and 
provided. (Signed) '• W'lLLlAM Rawle,"' 

"Attorney of the U. S. for the Pennsylvania District." 

The case was not immediately taken up, but other business 
on the docket occupied the time of the Court until April 30, 
when it was called up in order. Fries had employed eminent 
counsel to defend him, viz: Hon. Alex. J. Dallas,' father of 

- William Rawle, born in Philadelphia, April 28, 1759, completed his law studies at 
the Middle Temple, London, and returning to Philadelphia, 1783, was admitted to the 
bar. In 1791 he was appointed U. S. District Attorney for Pennsylvania by Washing- 
ton. He was one of the original members of the Franklin Institute and Historical So- 
ciety of Pennsylvania, Chancellor of the Law Association ; a fine classical scholar, a 
deeply read and learned jurist and writer of ability. He died April 12, 1836. 

3 Alexander J. Dallas was born in the Island of Jamaica, June 21, 1759; was educated 
in London, and studied law at the Temple ; arrived in Philadelphia with his wife, 
June 17, 1783, was admitted and began the practice of the law. He rose rapidly in his 



Il8 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

Vice President Dallas, and Messrs. Ewing and Lewis/ The 
United States were represented by Messrs. Rawle and Sit- 
greaves, the latter being a resident of Easton, in Northamp- 
ton county, and at that time the United States Attorney for 
the Pennsylvania district. As soon as the case was called up, 
Mr. Lewis preferred the following motion, in writing, viz : 

" And now the prisoner, John Fries, being placed at the 
bar of this Court, at the city of Philadelphia, being the place 
appointed by law for holding the stated sessions thereof, and 
it being demanded of him if he is ready for his trial for the 
treason in the indictment mentioned, he moves, orctcniis, that 
his trial for the same offence may not be proceeded on here, 
and that the same may be had in the count}- in which tht- 
same acts of treason in the said indictment mentioned are 
laid, and wh^re the offence therein mentioned is alleged to 
have been committed." 

This motion was argued at length by Messrs. Dallas, Lewis 
and Ewing. The application was founded on the judiciary 
act, passed September 24, 1789, the 29th section of which 
provides, " That in cases punishable with death, the trial shall 
be had in the county where the offence was committed ; or 
where that cannot be done without great inconvenience, 
twelve petit jurors at least shall be summoned from thence." 
Messrs. Sitgreaves and Rawle replied on the part of the 
United States; when the Court overruled the motion, both 
judges delivering opinions upon the points raised. One of 
the reasons given by Judge Iredell why the prisoner should 
not be tried in the county where the offence was committed 
was, that the inhabitants were in such a state (^f insurrection, 
that a fair trial could not be had. All motions being now dis- 
posed of, the next thing in order was to fix a time for the 
trial, which was set down for the first day of May. 

profession, and, in 1801, was appointed District Attorney of the United States by Presi- 
dent Jefferson. In October, 1814, he accepted the portfolio of the Treasury in the Cab- 
nent of President Maddison. He died at Trenton, N. J., January 14, 1S17. 

* William Lewis was born on a farm in Chester county, 1751, and ccmn-.enced the 
study of the law without previous educatian to fit him for it. His preceptor was Nicholas 
Wain, and became his partner after admission. He has been accorded the highest place 
among his contemporaries, in spite of his roughness of speech. He diafied the famous 
Act of 1780, abolishing slavery. He died at Philadelphia in his 70th year. 



THE frip:s rebellion. 119 

The prisoner beincj brought in and placed at the bar of the 
Court on that day, was duly arraigned ; when the indictment 
was read to him, to which he pleaded " Not Guilty," and 
placed himself upon his country for trial. A jury was then 
called and empanelled, which consisted of the following per- 
sons : William Jolly, Philadelphia; Samuel Mitchell, and 
Richard Leedom,' Bucks county; Anthony Cuthbert, Alex- 
ander Fullerton, John Singer, Philadelphia; William Ramsey,' 
Bucks ; Samuel Richards, Philadelphia ; Gerardus Wynkoop,' 
Bucks; Jos. Thornton, Philadelphia ; Philip Walter, North- 
ampton ; John Rhoad, Northampton. 

A question arose as to the last two jurymen being qualified, 
as they were Germans, and did not understand English, but it 
was agreed that any dfificulty of that nature could be explain- 
ed to them. Sev^eral of the witnesses being also Germans, 
and not able to speak English, a Mr. Erdman was, on that ac- 
count, sworn as interpreter. 

Mr. Sitgreaves opened the case on the part of the United 
States. He said, " Treason is defined in the Constitution of 
the United States, section in., art. in.," in the words fol- 
lowing: " Treason against the United States shall consist only 
in levying war against them, or in adhering to their enemies, 
giving them aid and comfort." He charged that Fries was 
guilty of treason in levying war. He then proceeded to elabo- 
rate upon the phreesology or description as adopted in our 

5 Richard Leedom settled at the " Black Bear," now Richboroug^h, Northampton 
township, Bucks county, over a century and a half ago, where he hept store many 
years. His stone dwelling is still standing. He became a prominent man. In his day 
the place was called " Leedoms," and is situated on the Middle road, 19 miles from 
Philadelphia. 

s The Ramseys, of Warwick, Bucks county, are descended from William, a staunch 
Scotch-Irish Presbyterian, who was born in Ireland, 1698, and came to .-Xmerica, 1741. 
He had several children, among whom was a William, probably the person mentioned 
in the text — Robert Ramsey four years in Congress from Bucks county, was a member of 
this family. 

' The Wynkoops, a prominent family in Bucks county a century ago, are descended 
from Cornelius C. Wynkoop, an immigrant from Holland to New York before 170c. 
They came into Bucks prior to 1750. Gerardus Wynkoop was the son of Gerrit, and an 
officer of the Revolution. He was a member of the .\ssembly for nineteen years, and 
long its Speaker. He died about 1812. Henry Wynkoop was a member of Congress, 
1789, and on intimate terms with Washington. 



120 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

Constitution, which is borrowed from the statute of Great 
Britain, passed in the reign of Edward the III., and which had 
never been changed. He then passed to an exposition of the 
full meaning of the word treason, as understood under our 
Constitution, and pointed out what is necessary to constitute 
the crime ; and that, according to the definition of Lord Hale, 
it must consist both in levying war, and in levying war against 
the government of the United States — that if the people as- 
sembled in this hostile manner only to gratify a spirit of re- 
venge, or for any other purpose independent of war against 
the United States, it would only amount to a riot. He re- 
viewed, at considerable length, the leading operations of Fries 
and his friends, pointing out their combination and con- 
spiracy to resist the federal authorities, and their actual resist- 
ance, with arms in their hands, at Bethlehem. He now called 
witnesses to prove the facts stated in his opening. Among 
those subpoenaed and called upon the stand were, William 
Henry, William Barnett, John Barnett, Christian Winters, 
Christian Roths, Colonel Nichols, Philip Sclaugh, Joseph 
Horsefield, J(^hn Mohollon, Jacob Eyerley, Samuel Toon, 
George Mitchell, Wm. Thomas, James Chapman, John Rod- 
rock, Cephas Childs and others. In the main their testimony 
sustained the facts alleged by Mr. Sitgreaves, and most if not 
all the overt acts set forth in the indictment were sub- 
stantially proved. 

Among the witnesses called was Judge Peters, then upon 
the bench, who was examined more particularly as to the 
circumstances under which he issued warrants in Northamp- 
ton county, and in relation to other facts within his knowl- 
edge previous to the examination of John Fries, on April 6. 
At this stage of the trial the confession of Fries was read, the 
same which was taken before Judge Peters, immediately upon 
his capture, and which was printed in a previous chapter. 

The prosecution having now rested their case, Mr. Dallas 
remarked to the Court, that, though they wished to give as 
little trouble on the part of the defendant as possible, they 
desired to call two or three witnesses to prove that the indis- 
position which was manifested to permit the assessments to be 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 121 

made was owing to the uncertainty these people were in of 
the real existence of the law; that the prisoner himself was 
under the idea that it was no law ; and that they had no in- 
tention of opposing Congress by force of arms, but that they 
wished for time, in order to ascertain its real existence, and, if 
the law were actually in force, they wished, agreeably to their 
former custom, to appoint assessors from their own respec- 
tive townships ; that it could be shown that Fries was perfect- 
ly quiescent after the proclamation, and that some of the wit- 
nesses were mistaken as to some of the facts which they had 
sworn to. Mr. Dallas alluded to the fact, that since the jury 
had been impanneled, a newspaper in the city had attempted 
to intimidate the counsel and jury, to warp the sentiments of 
the latter, and to deprive the prisoner of the benefit of the 
best talent the bar could afford. He proceeded to an exami- 
nation of the law of treason, and argued that none of the acts 
complained of amounted to the crime charged. 

After Mr. Rawle had argued the constitutional definition of 
treason to the Court, in support of the positions taken by his 
colleague, Mr. Sitgreaves, Mr. Dallas opened the case for the 
defendant in an able and eloquent speech. He reviewed the 
whole ground, all the testimony of the witnesses produced by 
the United States, and denied that from the facts proved there 
was anything like the levying of war against the United States. 
He argued that treason could not be made out of the act al- 
leged, and that at most it was but a conspiracy to resist the 
execution of an unpopular law. He explained the disadvan- 
tages under which the prisoner appeared before the Court, 
and spoke of the popular resentment that had been engender- 
ed against him ; and he called upon the jurors to drive from 
their minds everything like bias, and to give the prisoner the 
advantage of every reasonable doubt they might entertain of 
his guilt. Having concluded, he called three witnesses, John 
Jamison, Israel Roberts and Everhard Folke, to prove the 
facts he had alleged. 



122 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

The te>^tiimny on both sides being closed, Mr. Ewing 
opened the case to the jury for the defendant, and was follow- 
ed by Mr. Sitgreaves and Mr. Rawle, for the United States. 
The jury was then charged by both Judges at considerable 
length, who reviewed all the facts of the case, and the law 
bearing upon it, showing a strong bias against the prisoner. 
The case was then given to the jury which retired to their 
room, and after an absence of about three hours came in with 
a verdict of Guilty. The trial had occupied the undivided at- 
tention of the Court from the first to the ninth of May, and 
during all this period the public mind was in the greatest pos- 
sible state of e.Kcitement, and the attendance upon the trial 
large. The jury did not separate the whole time. When the 
verdict was announced, it was received with satisfaction or 
disapprobation, according to the political bias of the persons 
present ; for, strange as it may seem, politics was mixed up 
with the whole of the affair. 

The Court met on the 14th of May to pronounce sentence 
upon the prisoner. As s>>oii as Court was opened, Mr. Lewis, 
one of the counsel for Fries, asked for a rule to show cause 
why a new trial should not be granted, which caused judg- 
ment to be suspended, and the prisoner was remanded back to 
prison. The ground upon which this motion was based, was 
that John Rhoads, one of the jurymen on the trial, had de- 
clared a prejudice against the prisoner after he was summoned 
as a juror on the trial. He read depositions to substantiate 
the facts stated. Mr. Lewis was sustained in the application 
by Mr. Dallas, who advanced additional reasons for a new 
trial. The motion was argued at considerable length by 
counsel, and the two judges delivered separate opinions. The 
Court was divided in opinion, Judge Iredell being in favor of, 
and Judge Chase" opposed to, a new trial; but the latter 

* Samuel Chase, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in Md., April 
17, 1741, and died June 19, 1811. He became an eloquent advocate and learned lawyer. 
He rendered valuable services during the Revolution; was Chief Justice of Md., mem- 
ber of the Maryland Convention for considering the Federal Constitution, and, in 1796, 
Washington appointed him Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 1 23 

finally yielded to the former upon the ground that a division 
in the Court might lessen the weight of the judgment if finally 
pronounced, and a new trial was accordingly granted. Before 
the second trial came off the yellow fever broke out in Phila- 
delphia, which caused a removal of the prisoners to Mont- 
gomery county for greater protection against the malignant 
disease and where they remained until the fever had abated, 
when they were returned to Philadelphia.'" The late Hon. 
James M. Porter," of Easton, wrote us the following interest- 
ing recollections of his residence at Norristown, at that period, 
which we publish in full: 

" I was very young at the time of those transactions, but I 
still have a recollection that they transpired When the yel- 
low fever prevailed in Philadelphia, 1 think in 1799, Isaiah 
Wells, Esq., was sheriff of Montgomerj' (perhaps jailor at that,) 
and the prisoners were removed from Philadelphia to Norris- 
town. Mr. Wells was very kind and allowed the prisoners 
great liberties, in going out and returning to the jail. Several 
of them, if not all, were farmers and accustomed to work on 
their own properties at home; he allowed them to get work 
and be paid for it, in order to get pocket money, and have 
exercise ; but required them always to be in the jail at night. 
One, whose name was Moyer, worked one day for my father, 
who lived about one mile from the jail. I remember the fact 
of his working there very distinctly — splitting wood. We had 
nothing but iron wedges, and this Mr. Moyer was the first 
person I ever saw use wooden wedges or gluts in splitting the 

In 1804 he was impeached for misdemeanor in the conduct of several political trials, in- 
cluding that of John F"ries, but was acquitted, and resumed his place on the Bench, 
which he retained until his death. 

* A session of the Court was held at Norristown, commencing October 11, 1799, ow- 
ing to the yellow fever prevailing in Philadelphia, and the case of John Fries was called 
but not tried at that time. His second trial was afterward had in Philadelphia when the 
fever had abated. 

■' James Madison Porter, was born at Selma, Pa., in January of 1793. He served in 
the Second War with England ; studied law, was admitted to tlie Par at Easton, 1813 
where he became a resident. He took at* active part as member of the Constitutional 
Convention f Pennsylvania, 1838 ; was appointed Secretary of War, 1843, but rejected 
by the Senate. He was a founder of Lafayette College, Easton, 1826, and President of 
its Board of Trustees. He died November n, 1862. 



124 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

wood. In the evening he complained of not being very well, 
and our family wished him to remain all night. This he de- 
clined, saying that Mr. Wells was very good to them, but he 
had desired them to be there every night, and he would be as 
good as his word. The next day he got worse with the jail 
fever and died with it at Norristown." 

The second trial of John Fries was had in the Circuit Court 
of the United States, at Philadelphia, which commenced on 
April 29, 1800. Judge Chase presiding, assisted by Judge 
Peters, of the District Court. The former indictment had 
been withdrawn, by the District Attorney, and a new one 
drawn in its stead, upon which Fries was arraigned and, as be- 
fore, plead, " Not Guilty." Mr. Dallas and Mr. Lewis, who 
were engaged on the first trial as counsel for the prisoner, 
were retained to defend him also upon the second ; but they 
withdrew from the case at the commencement, because of the 
extraordinary course of the Judges in laying down their 
opinions as to the law before hearing counsel, thus prejudic- 
ing the case. They alleged that this preceeding was not only 
illegal but wholly unprecedented, and they therefore declined 
to have anything more to do with the case. This conduct of 
Judge Chase afterward became the subject of the first of the 
articles of his impeachment, on which he was tried before the 
United States Senate, in February, 1805. Their withdrawal 
left Fries without legal assistance. The Court asked him if he 
wished to have counsel assigned him, but, as he did not ex- 
press any desire for it, the trial went on in the absence of it. 
Mr. Rawle and Mr. Ingersol conducted the prosecution. 

Of the jurors called, thirty-four were challenged without 
cause, and the following were admitted and sworn, viz : 
Samuel Wheeler, foreman ; Henry Pepper, John Taggart, 
Cornelius Comegys, Ephraim Clark, Thomas Baily, Lawrence 
Cauffman, John Edge, Charles Deshler, Henry Dubois, Isaac 
Dehaven, and John Balliott. Before the jurors were sworn, 
they were individually asked, upon oath, " Are you any way 
related to the prisoner," to which they all answered "No." 



i 



THE FRIES REBELLION. I25 

" Have you ever formed or delivered an o[)inion as to the 
guilt or innocence of the prisoner, or that he ought to be 
punished ;" to which they generally answered not to their 
knowledge. Some of them admitted that they had spoken in 
disapprobation of the transaction, but not as to the prisoner 
particularly. Mr. Taggart, after he was sworn, remarked to 
the Court that he felt uneasy under his oath, inasmuch as he 
had often spoken of the prisoner as very culpable, but that he 
had never made up his mind to hang him ; that when he took 
the oath he did not conceive it to be so strict,' and therefore 
he vvished to be excused. The Court informed him that as he 
was now sworn, it was impossible to excuse liim, and he ac- 
cordingly took his seat with the others. 

Mr. Rawle opened the case on the part of tlie United 
States. Before any of the testimony was admitted for the 
prosecution, Judge Chase cautioned the prisoner to attend to 
the examination of the witnesses against him, and to ask them 
any questions he might deem proper, but to be careful not to 
ask any question that might possibly criminate himself. He 
said that the Court would be watchful of him, and would 
check anything that might go to injure him, and would be his 
counsel and grant him every assistance and indulgence in their 
power. The testimony was much the same as that produced 
upon the first trial, and sustained the facts laid in the indict- 
ment. The prisoner offered no evidence. Mr. Rawle sum- 
med up the testimony, briefly, after which Judge Chase 
charged the jury. 

The jury retired about six o'clock in the evening, when the 
Court adjourned until ten. When they entered the jury room, 
the jurors agreed, that without previous argument among 
themselves, the opinion of each one should be expressed by 
ballot, which was done, and they were unanimously in favor 
of conviction. At the hour to which they had adjourned, the 
Court again assembled, when the jury was brought in and de- 
livered the verdict of Guilty, amid the most profound silence. 
During the trial, Fries was tranquil, and bore himself with 



i26 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

great propriety, but, after the verdict was rendered, he became } 
much affected ; and in view of his impending fate remained 
depressed in spirits down to the time of his liberation. It is 
said that he confidently expected an acquittal, based on the 
opinion of his counsel that his offence did not amount to 
treason. 

After the retldition of the verdict, Judge Chase remarked 
to the prisoner that as he had no counsel on the trial, if he. or 
any person for' him, could point out any flaw in the indict- 
ment, or legal ground for arrest of judgment, ample time 
would be allowed for that purpose. The Court met on Fri- 
nay, May 2, to sentence the prisoner. The sentence was pro- 
nounced by Judge Chase, who addressed Fries at length, re- 
marking to the other prisoners at the bar, that what he should 
say to him would apply generally to them. He reviewed the 
offence of which he had been convicted, after a fair and im- 
partial trial, and pointed out the enormity of the crime in re- 
sisting the acts of a government so free and liberal as that of 
the United States. He called his attention to his near ap- 
proach to the close of his career on earth, and besought him 
to prepare for that other life which was beyond the grave. He 
entreated him to employ the balance of his days in repenting 
of his sins, and in seeking that pardon which God alone can 
give. In conclusion, Judge Chase said : 

"What remains for me is a very necessary but a very pain- 
ful part of my duty; it is to pronounce that judgment which 
the law has appointed for crimes of this magnitude. The 
judgment of the law is, and this Court does award, ' that you 
be hanged by the neck until dead ;' and I pray God Almighty 
to be merciful to your soul.' 

Samuel Sitgreaves, who conducted the prosecution at the 
first trial of John Fries, was one of the ablest men Penn- 
sylvania ever produced. He was born in Philadelphia, 1763, 
where he studied law and was admitted to the bar. He re- 
moved to Easton, Northampton county, about 1786, and, by 
reason of his great abilities immediately took a high position 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 12; 

at the bar, and became prominent in politics. His first ap- 
pearance in public life, was as a member of the Constitutional 
Convention of Pennsylvania, 1790, in which he took an active 
part. He was elected to Congress, 1794, and served until 
1798. In the impeachment of Senator Blount, of Tennessee, 
before the United States Senate, he was one of the leading 
managers, and discharged his duties with great power, talents 
and fidelity. In 1799 ^•'- Sitgreaves went to England as 
Commissioner under Jay's treaty, and was absent at the time 
of the second trial of Fries. After the election of Mr.^^ffer- 
son he retired from politics and devoted himself to his profes- 
sion. He became disgusted with the Federalists, but could 
not affiliate with the Democrats. He spent the balance of his 
days in retirement. 

During the time that John Fries was confined in prison he 
received much sympathy from the citizens of Philadelphia, 
and others. Among those, who took deep interest in his fate, 
was the Rev. Dr. Janeway, an eminent clergymen of that day, 
who visited him by permission of the authorities, and minis- 
tered to him spiritual and other consolation. He presented 
him a handsome Bible, of duodecimo size, with which to con- 
sole his hours of confinement. After his sentence to death. 
May 9, and when he expected shortly to be led to the scaffold 
for execution, he made a bequest of this Bible to his children, 
as follows, viz : 

"Philadelphia, May 22, 1800." 
" My Dear Children. ^This Book, presented to me by J. 
J. Janeway, at his request, I leave as the legacy of your dying 
father. Let me entreat you to regard it as the best gift of 
Heaven ; as revealing the only way of salvation for lost sin- 
ners. I beseech, I command you to read and to study it. I 
pray that the spirit of God may open your eyes, that you may 
read it in faith, to the salvation of your immortal souls. 

(Signed) "JOHN FRIES." 

The Bible is now in possession of John Fries' descendants, 
who live in Whitemarsh, Montgomery county, and is cherish- 
ed by them as a great treasure. The bequest is in his hand 



128 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



writing, and to judge by the language he was by no means an 
illiterate man. He lived many years after this period, and at 
his death the sacred volume passed into the hands of those 
for whom he had intended it. 




^he ^m^ Rebellion. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Peifdon of Ffies. 

The conviction and sentence of Fries increased the excite- 
ment aheady prevailing. The two poh'tical parties took up 
the question of his guilt or innocence and discussed it with 
great bitterness ; the Federalists contending he was guilty of 
treason and ought to suffer the extreme penalty of the law ; 
the Democrats taking the opposite ground, that he was the 
victim of tyranny and oppression. The newspapers of that 
period teem with this violent partizan discussion, and give us 
an insight into the bitterness that prevailed. When the news 
spread into the districts where Fries had resisted the execu- 
tion of the tax law, and it became known, among his neigh- 
bors and followers, that he had been condemned to death, the 
minds of the people were more inflamed than at any past 
period ; and had they possessed the power would undoubteci- 
ly have torn him from the hands of the federal government. 

There was a strong feeling in favor of Fries, and this in- 
creased after his conviction. He was considered a deluded 
man, who had probably been led astray by other more respon- 
sible parties. For this reason, also, there was a desire to save 
him from execution. This was participated in by both politi- 
cal parties, and an immediate effort was made to obtain a par- 
don from the President. Fries does not appear to have been 
actuated by the feeling of a martyr, nor to have had any de- 
sire to be distinguished in that way; but was anxious to es- 

(129) 



I30 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

cape from the unpleasant position in which he found himself. 
Soon after his sentence, he caused to be presented to the 
President the following petition : 

" PETITION OF JOHN FRIES." 
To the President of the United States : 

"The petition of John Fries respectfully showeth ; that 
your prisoner is one of those deluded and unfortunate men, 
who, at the Circuit Court of this district, has been convicted 
of treason against the United States, for which offence he is 
now under sentence of death. In this awful situation, im- 
pressed with a just sense of the crime which he has commit- 
ted, and with the sincerity of a penitent offender, he entreats 
mercy and pardon from him on whose determination rests the 
fate of an unfortunate man. He solicits the interference of 
the President to save him from an ignominious death, and to 
rescue a large, and hitherto happy family, from future misery 
and ruin. If the prayer of his petition should be granted, he 
will show, by a future course of good conduct, his gratitude to 
his offended country by a steady and active support of that 
excellent Constitution and laws, which it has been his mis- 
fortune to violate and expose. 

(Signed) "JOHN FRIES." 

PJiiladelpJiia Prison, May, 1800. 

To the above petition was attached a recommendation, in 
the following words : 

" The subscribers most respectfully recommend the peti- 
tioner to the President of the United States. They are warm- 
ly attached to the Constitution and laws of their country 
which they will, on every occasion, and, at every hazard, mani- 
fest their zeal to defend and support. But when they reflect 
on the ignorance, the delusion, and the penitence of the per- 
sons involved in the late insurrection, their pity supersedes 
every vindictive sentiment, and they sincerely think that an 
exercise of mercy will have a more salutary effect than the 
punishment of the convicts. It is on this ground that the 
subscribers, knowing the humanity as well as the fortitude of 



TME FRIES REBELLION. I3I 

the President, venture to claim his attention on the present 
awful occasion, in favor of the wretched father of a numerous 
family." 

In this manner was the application for pardon brought of- 
ficially before the President for his consideration. 

At the time of the first conviction of Fries, Mr. Adams was 
in Massachusetts, on a visit at Quincy.' Colonel Pickering' 
and Mr. Wolcott,^ two of the members of his Cabinet, imme- 
diately wrote him the result of the trial, and expressed their 
satisfaction at the verdict. The latter mentioned, incidentally, 
that Mr. Lewis, one of the counsel of the accused, had stated, 
on all occasions during the trial, that the offence which he had 
committed did not amount to treason. He also stated that 
Fries, had frequently said, that " persons of greater conse- 

' Quincy, the home and birih place of the Adamses for several generations, and one of 
the most beautiful towns of New England, is situated in the township and county of 
Norfolk, Mass., eight miles 5. by E. of Boston. Here were born John Hancock, 
Josiah Quincy, Jr., and the two Adamses. Quincy is noted for its fine granite quarries, 
which employ over a thousand workmen, and here the first railroad in America was put 
in operation, 1826, for the purpose of transporting the granite from its bed to tide water, 
a distance of three miles. In a stone church, completed in 3828, at a cost of $40,000, is a 
beautiful marble monument to the memory of John Adams and his wife. Quincy was 
incorporated in 1792, and the population is about 10,000. 

" Tinnothy Pickering was born at Salem, Mass., July 17, 1745, and died there January 
39, 1829. He graduated at Harvard, 1763; studied law and admitted to the Bar, 1768. 
For sometime he was register of deeds, Essex county, and in 1766 was confirmed by Gov. 
Bernard, lieutenant of militia; in 1775 was elected Colonel, and subsequently joined the 
Continental Army. In September, 1775, he was commissioned justice of the peace, and 
two months later, judge of the mariline court for the counties of Suffolk, Essex and 
Middlesex. He was appointed by Washington Adjutant General to succeed General 
Reed, and was present at battles of Brandy wine and Germantown. In August, 1780, he 
was appointed Quarter-Master-General of the army to succeed General Nash Greene, 
who resigned. He was present at the surrender of Yorktown. On leaving the army, 
1785, he engaged in business in Philadelphia. In 1787 he removed to the Wyoming Val- 
ley, Pa., was a member of the Convention, 1789, to frame the new Constitution. On 
resignation of General Knox, 1795, he was appointed Secretary of War, and later in the 
same year. Secretary of State to i8oo. He returned to Massachusetts, and in 1802 was 
appointed President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas; elected U. S. Senate, 
1803-1812 ; member House of Representatives, 1812-16. 

s Oliver Wolcott was born at Litchfield, Conn., January 11, 1760, and died at New 
York city, June i, 1833. He graduated at Yale, 1778, studied law and was admitted to 
the Bar, 1 781. He saw some military service during the Revolution. In 1789 he was 
appointed Auditor, in 1791 Comptroller, and in 1795 Secretary of Treasury of the United 
States. He was elected Governor of Connecticut, 1817, and served for 10 years. 



132 THE FRIES REBELLION, 

sequence had been at the bottom of the business." These 
letters reached Mr. Adams the evening of May i6, and, the 
next morning, he answered them. To Mr. Wolcott he wrote 
as follows : 

" QuiNCY, May 17, 1799." 
" I thank you, sir, for the favor of the iith, which I received 
last night. The termination of the trial of Fries, is an import- 
ant and interesting, and an affecting event. I am unable to 
conjecture the grounds of Mr. Lewis' opinion and wish I had 
a sketch of them. Is Fries a native or a foreigner? Is he a 
man of property and independence, or is he in debt? What 
has been his previous life? Industrious or idle, sober or tem- 
perate ? 

"It is of importance to discover, if possible, the great man 
alluded to by Fries, in his observation to Mr. Wood, as at the 
bottom of the business, and the evidence of any agitation 
among the insurgents ought to be collected. 

" It is of moment, also, to ascertain whether the insurgents 
had any general view, or exteitsive communications with 
others of similar dispositions in other counties or correspon- 
dence with other states. We ought also to inquire whether 
Fries is the most culpable among the guilty, if that can be 
known. It highly concerns the people of the United States, 
and especially the federal government, that in the whole pro- 
gress and ultimate conclusion of this affair, neither humanity 
be unnecessarily afflicted, nor public justice essentially vio- 
lated, nor the public safety endangered. 

" I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient and hum- 
ble servant, (Signed) JOHN ADAMS." 

This honest expression of opinion, by Mr. Adams, was not 
well received by some of the members of his Cabinet, who 
had marked Fries as a victim to federal power, and they were 
not well pleased at the prospect of his escaping them, a re- 
mote chance of which they thought they ctnild see fore- 
shadowed in the President's letter. In the life of John Adams, 
by his grandson, Charles Francis Adams, volume i, page 571, 
the author thus notices this proceeding: "These letters were 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 1 33 

received by the persons to whom they were addressed with 
some dismay. They did not understand why the President 
should entertain his own views of the law, after the proper 
Court had adjucated upon it, and they honestly thought that 
the public safety required an immediate example to be made 
of Fries. ' Painful as the idea of taking the life of a man,' 
said Pickering, ' I feel a calm and solid satisfaction that an 
opportunity is now presented, in executing the just sentence 
of the law, to crush that spirit, which, if not overthrown and 
destroyed, may proceed in its career, and overturn the gov- 
ernment.' " 

Two views were presented when the question of the execu- 
tion of Fries camp up, but the conflict was postponed for a 
time, by a new trial beuig granted. 

After the second conviction, and his sentence to death, by 
Judge Chase, Mr. Adams took the proper measures to inform 
himself of the probable guilt or innocence of the prisoner, and 
of such other matters in relation thereto, as would give him a 
full understanding of the whole case, that he might act justly 
and fairly in the premises. 

There can be no doubt that, at one period, Mr. Adams had 
determined to let the law take its course, and made up his 
mind not to interpose the executive clemency. Mr. Hamil- 
ton,* in his letter on the public conduct of Mr. Adams, states 
that while the trials were pending, he more than once ex- 
pressed himself to the effect, " that the accused must found 
their hopes of escape, either in their innocence, or in the 
lenity of the juries; since from him, in case of conviction, 

* Alexander Hamilton, one of the ablest Araericam statesmen of the early Constitu- 
tional era of the United States, was born on the Island of Nevis, West Indies, January 
II, 1757, and educated at Columbia College, New York. While a student he organized 
an artillery company of his fellow students, and took an active part at the battle of Long 
Island. In January, 1777, he became Washington's Private Secretary and remained 
with him until April, 1781. He married a daughter of Philip Schuler, 1780. After the 
War of the Revolution had been fought to a conclusion, the important part he took in 
the formation, and adoption of the Constitution, and his services in organizing the 
finances of the new Republic are too well known to need repetition. He fell in a duel 
with Aaron Burr, July 11, 1804. Alexander Hamilton was one of the most remarkable 
men that took part in the Revolutionary struggle and the subsequent formation of the 
Government. 



134 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

they would have nothing to expect." He further states that 
a short time before the pardon he declared that the mistaken 
policy of Washington in regard to the Western Insurrection 
had been the cause of the second troubles. Whatever the 
cause may have been, it is evident his mind had undergone 
great change, and that he had come to the determination to 
pardon them if he could have justification for doing so. Hence 
his anxiety to learn the full particulars of the case, indepen- 
dent of the action of the Court and jury. 

Soon after the sentence of death had been pronounced, 
Thomas Adams, son of the President, waited upon Mr. Lewis, 
one of the counsel of Fries, and told him that his father 
wished to know the points and authorities upon which he and 
Mr. Dallas had intended to rely in case they had defended 
him upon the second trial. The Attorney-General of the 
United States made a like request, and, at their solicitation, 
Messrs. Dallas and Lewis made a full statement of the points 
of the case, which was sent to the President on or before 
May 19. About this time a change took place in the 
Cabinet, and the President was thus deprived of a portion of 
his Constitutional advisers ; and when the question again came 
up there were only three persons to consult with. 

On May 20, he submitted to his Cabinet a series of thir- 
teen questions, which indicate his leaning to the side of 
clemency. Mr. Walcott remained firmly of the opinion that 
all three of the leaders in the insurrection. Fries, Heaney and 
Getman, should be executed, which was called for to inspire 
the well disposed with confidence in the government, and the 
malevolent with terror. The other ministers believed that 
the execution of Fries, alone, would be sufficient to show the 
power of the law to punish evil doers ; but rather than that 
all three should be released, they were in favor of the execu- 
tion of the whole of them. Mr. Adams appears to have acted 
upon his own judgment, and took the responsibility of the 
measure without the concurrence of his Cabinet. Having 
satisfied his own mind that it was a case in which the execu- 
tive clemency could be exercised with good effect, and that 
the great excitement, prevailing in the country, would be 



THE FRIES REBELLION. I35 

much more readily allayed by mercy than the opposite course, 
he determined to grant an unconditional pardon to all 
the prisoners. For this purpose he caused to be issued the 
following : 

"PROCLAMATION." 

" BY JOHN ADAMS, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 

OF AMERICA." 

" Philadelphia, May 23." 
" Whereas, The late wicked and treasonable insurrection 
against the just authorities of the United States, of sundry 
persons in the counties of Northampton, Montgomery and 
Bucks, in the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1799, having 
been speedily suppressed without any of the calamities usual- 
ly attending rebellion, whereupon peace, order, and submis- 
sion to the laws of the United States were restored in the 
aforesaid counties, and the ignorant, misguided and misin- 
formed in the counties have returned to a proper sense of 
their duty; whereby it is become unnecessary for the public 
good that any future prosecutions should be commenced or 
carried on against any person or persons, by reason of their 
being concerned in the said insurrection ; wherefore be it 
known that I, John Adams, President of the United States of 
America, have granted, and by these presents do grant, a full 
free and absolute pardon, to all and every person or persons 
concerned in the said insurrection, excepting as hereinafter 
excepted, of all felonies, misdemeanors and other crimes by 
them respectively done or committed against the United 
States; in either of the said counties, before the 12th day of 
March, in the year 1799; excepting and excluding therefrom 
any person who now standeth indicted or convicted of any 
treason, misprison of treason, or other offence against the 
United States; whereby remedying and releasing unto all 
persons, except as before excepted, all pains and penalties in- 
curred, or supposed to be incurred 'for, or on account of the 
premises. Given under my hand and the seal of the United 
States of America, at the city of Philadelphia, this Twenty- 
first day of May, in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred, 
and of the Independence of the said United States, the 
twenty-fourth. (Signed) "JOHN ADAMS." 



136 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

This proclamation, as will be noticed, did not ennbrace the 
cases of Fries, Ileany and Getman, already under sentence, 
and a special pardon was made out for them a few days after- 
ward, which struck the fetters from their limbs and set them 
free. The biographer of John Adams states that " the Cabi- 
net had been consulted at every step, but nevertheless, when 
the President ordered the pardons made out the next day, for 
all the offenders, the disaffected members viewed the Act 
with disappointment, and Mr. Adams was charged with in- 
consistency, and having been governed by personal motives 
for the Act. It was said to be a ' fatal concession to his 
enemies,' as the Act was ' popular in Pennsylvania.' Such 
was the tone of the disappointed Federalists who saw in it 
another departure from the policy they would have intro- 
duced into the federal government." 




5^he |^Fie§ Rebellion. 



•'-^!*t^<^*6^-* 



CHAPTER XIII. 



C-o n c 1 u. si o n . 

The action of President Adams, in pardoning Fries, Haney 
and Getman, was the cause of much dissention in the Cabinet) 
and, between him and his political friends, it engendered a 
bitterness of feeling that was never entirely obliterated. So 
far as ofificial action was concerned, the act of pardon closed 
the drama of the " Rebellion," and removed it from further 
consideration. This final disposition of the affair, however, 
did not have the effect of taking it out of politics, but, for a 
number of years afterward, it was made a standing text, par- 
ticularly in eastern Pennsylvania, for philipics against the 
Federal party. In the campaign which soon followed, be- 
tween Mr. Jefferson' and John Adams, it was used with tre- 
mendous effect against the latter, and assisted very materially 
in hurling him and his friends from power. It was one of the 
leading causes which produced the great political revolution 

1 Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, was born April 3, 1743, at 
Shadwell, Abermarle county, Virginia. He was graduated from Williams' and Mary's 
College, 1762, and at that early day was noted for his scholarship in languages. He 
studied law with George Wythe, then at the head of the Vii'ginia Bar, in whom he 
found a friend through life, and was admitted to the Bar, 1767. He would have made 
a great lawyer had he continued in the profession, but he naturally inclined to politics. 
He was elected to the House of Burgesses, 1768, and continued a member until it was 
closed by the Revolution. When the oppression of Parliament led the colonies to throw 
off the yoke of Great Britain, Jefferson threw himself into the contest with all his vigor 
and zeal. We need not recount his subsequent distinguished career. The authorship cf 
the Declaration of Independence, if he had done nothing else, would make his name 
immortal. 

(137) 



I ',S rHK FRIES RKBKIJJON. 

in this State in i Soo, and the Fcdt-ral p.ir'y never recovered 
from th ■ orliuni it eiitailed up in it. We remember when the 
names of Fries. Haney an.l Getman were mingled in our local 
county politics ; and more than one Democrat, in Bucks county, 
owetl his elevation to office to the skillful use made of the 
events growing out of the house-tax law of 1 798. 

The part Mr. Adams took, in the matter of pardoning the 
insurgents, v\ a i alike creditable to his head and heart, and 
tends to remove, in some degree, the stigma his approval of 
the Alien and Sedition law, and the House Tax fastened 
upon his Administration. That he was moved to it by the 
best of motives, and prompted by the dictates of a kind heart, 
there can be no question, ancj it is equally certain the Act was 
liis own. and against the wish and advice of his Cabinet. He 
has left behind him a record of the satisfaction it gave him. 
In his tenth letter, in the Boston Patriot, of May 17, 1809, re- 
marking on his responsibility for all his executive acts, and 
that it was his right and duty to be governed by his own 
judgment, although in direct conflict with the advice of all his 
ministers, he says: " This was my situation in more than one 
instance It had been so in the nomination of Mr. Gerry ; it 
was afterwards so in the pardon of Fries ; two measures that 
I recollect with infinite satisfaction, and which will console me 
in my last hour." 

It was suspected at the time of the disturbance, that more 
prominent men than the unfortunates who fell into the hands 
of the F'ederal authorities were at the bottom of the rebellion ; 
and even the narnes of some of the leaders of the Federal 
party were connected with it. After the trial, John Fries 
told a Mr. Wood, a clerk in one of the Departments, and who 
was also clerk of the prison, " that great men were at the bot- 
tom of this business." Oliver Wolcott, in a letter to John 
Adams, dated Philadelphia, May ii, 1799, states that B, Mc- 
Clerachan, a member of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, was 
certainly an agitator among the insurgents. One authority 
upon the subject says : 

" Much of the blame attending upon this disturbance is cast 



THE FRIES REBE1,[J')N. I 39 

upon Mr, Sitgreaves, formerty a member of Congress from tlie 
Bucks district, and Eyeriy, both disappointed politici ms Vhc 
former followed the march of the troops and appears to have 
been busy in hunting up persons who had pposed the law. 
Eyeriy was defeated at the election that fall. I'Meswas a 
Federalist, and ardent supporter of John Adams" administra- 
tion, on which account it is supposed he was not afraid of an 
arrest, believing that his Federal friends would not molest 
him. Probably Sitgreaves and Eyeriy are those to whom 
Fries refers, that more prominent men were at the be ttom i>i 
it. It is hinted that they were at the bottom of it and left 
Fries in the lurch. This is given as the reason th.it the 
Federal members of the Legislature opposed the institution of 
any inquiry into the cause of the disturbance. It is said it 
was the desire of the Federalists to bring odium on the Re- 
publicans by ordering federal troops into the county to put 
down the rebellion." 

However this may be — we mean the participation of nren of 
prominence in the disturbance, we think the matter is now 
pretty clearly established, that the affair had given to it much 
greater importance than it merited. We are also well convinced, 
had the proper steps been taken to quiet the agitation, 
through the agency of the local authorities there would never 
have been any need of the interposition of the Federal au- 
thorities. In his opinion we are sustained by some of the 
actors in the scenes that grew out of it. Among others, an 
officer of the army, writing from camp, while it lay in Bucks 
county, says : " I need not add after what I have before written 
to you, that every hour's experience confirms me more and more 
that this expedition was not only unnecessary, but violently 
absurd. I can take upon me to assert, that excepting in the 
rash act of rescuing the people under arrest from the Mar- 
shall, there has not been even a desire of resistance manifested, 
and the most marked censure of many persons now in 
custody. I do verily believe that a sergeant and six men 
might have performed all the service for which we have been 
assembled at so heavy an expense to the United States, and 



I40 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

with such a loss of important time to us, especially those 
who are in the mercantile line." 

This seems to have been the opinion of all who were ac- 
quainted with the whole affair, except those violent partisans 
whose prejudices were too strong and too bitter to permit 
them to judtje the caseWith fairness. The whole cost of the 
expedition to the United States is said to have been $80,000. 

When Fries was liberated there was great rejoicing through- 
out the couritry, but the anti-Federalists failed to give Mr. 
Adams credit for his act of mercy and clemency. As would 
naturally be the case, they attributed the act, which he said 
"would console him in his last hours," to sinister motives, and, 
if anything, they increased the bitterness of their attack upon 
him and his' administration. Such, however, is the history of 
political parties the world over, and we are not surprised to 
find no departure therefrom in the exciting times of '98 
and '99. 

The subsequent history of Fries is brief and void of interest. 
Upon his release from impri.^orment he went directly to the 
humble home which had sheltered him before he became so 
famous, and again entered into the ordinary current of life. 
He resumed his old avocation of vendue crying, and, as 
before, in company with his little dog traversed the county 
back and forth, crying the sales of his neighbors and acquaint- 
ance. The events of the " Rebellion" left some bitterness be- 
hind it took years to heal, and, from time to time, this linger- 
ing ill-feeling broke out in that section of the county. There 
was much hostility against Penrose, who piloted the troops to 
Bunker Hill when they captured Fries, and the friends of the 
latter hardly ever forgave him. A few years after his return 
home Conrad Marks and his friends came down to Quaker- 
town to whip Penrose, who, with a number of his neighbors, 
was breaking the roads filled with snow drifts. Marks mis- 
took his man, got hold of a nephew of the one he sought and 
received a good whipping for his trouble. It is also related 
that soon after his pardon the friends of Fries, who lived near 
Sumneytown, Montgomery county, raised a Liberty Pole, 
rather as a mark of exultation over the defeat of the schemes 



THE FRIES REHKIJJON. I4I 

of the Federalists. John Rodrock, the same who liad re- 
ceived indignity at the hands of Fries, was in Philadelphia at 
the time attending market, and, on his retuin sent his hired 
man to cut the pole down, which he acconiplishcil. fhe peo- 
ple soon got wind of it and pursued and caught the party be- 
fore they had crossed the line into Bucks. They placed soine 
penalty upon them, but the nature of it we have not K arncd.'' 

In a previous chapter we mentioned that John Fries had 
done his country some service during the Revolutionary War. 
At that time he was living at Charlestown, Milford tow nship. 
He was in active service during the war. Between these 
periods, and while spending some time at home, he was the 
hero of a spirited affair. While the enemy occupied l^hila- 
delphia a party of J3ritish light horse, on a foraging expech'i ion 
in the upper end of Bucks county, were returning to the city 
through Charlestown in the night. His wife hearing the chit- 
ter of hoofs, got up and looked out of the window just before 
daylight, and saw the troopers marching by with a large num- 
ber of cattle in charge. She said to her husband, "Why, 
John here goes a troop of Light Hoise all dressed in red ; and 
I guess they must be the British." Fries got up immediately 
and dressed, and went first to the houses of Hoover and Wy- 
kert, near neighbors, whom he awoke and informed of what 
was going on. He then went around the neighborhood and 
aroused the people whom he headed and, with them, went in 
pursuit of the retreating British. They overtook the soldiers 
near the Spring House tavern, and compelled them to re- 
linquish the cattle and hasten their march to Philadelphia. 
The cattle w-ere driven back and returned to their owners. 

John Furies continued to reside in Milford township to the 



- The war on " Liberty Poles," made by the Federalists of 1800, is verified by several 
persons. Jesse Nace, Phiiadelpliia, writes us as follows on tlie subject, while this 
volume was being prepared for the press: "Your story of th'^ unwritten history of 
Bucks county, read before the Historical Society of Penna., and printed in the Philadel- 
phia Times, revived in my mind, the sayings of my father, Henry Nace, who participat- 
ed in that event, that 'he people had erected ' Libf rty Poles' and the soldiers (light 
horsemen) cut them down. I saw no illusion in your address to this fact, and if father 
were correct, this addition to your paper would substantially strengthen it ]*'ather was 
born in Tinicum, March, 1777, consequently he was 22 years old when the occurrences of 
179S-99 took place. He said his first vote was for Jefferson for President.' " 



142 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

day of his death, which took place in 1818.' He was buried 
in the grave yard at Charlestown, where his remains now lie, 
without a stone to mark their resting place. The allegation 
that Fries opened a tin store in Philadelphia after his pardon 
is wholly without foundation. Such a statement is found 
in a note at the conclusion of the published account of the 
trial, and was probably inserted there on some rumor which 
prevailed at that day, without the author taking the trouble 
to satisfy himself of its truth. When we visited his son Daniel, 
we questioned him particularly upon this point, and he as- 
sured us that his father returned to Milford township, where 
he continued to follow his old occupation to the day of his 
death. The same was stated to us by some of the old resi- 
dents of Quakertown, who knew him well in their younger 
days. At his decease, his son Daniel assumed the occupation 
of a vendue cryer, which he followed until he removed to 
near Sumneytown, where he now resides at the age of nearly 
80 years.* Another son, Soimon, lived at Whitemarsh, and 
both of them left numerous descendants. The father of John 
Fries, whose name was Simon, came from Wales, and first set- 
tled in Maryland, but afterward removed to Montgomery 
county, in this State, where he died. 

We now conclude this historic episode of Bucks county, 
and take leave of the reader. In writing the preceding ac- 
count of the " Fries Rebellion" we were influnced by two 
considerations ; the first a desire to give a correct account of 
what was an important affair in its day, and hitherto but im- 
perfectly understood ; the second, a desire to do justice to 



3 From an examination of the register's office at Doylestown, Bucks rounty, it appears 
John Fries died about the last of February, 1818, at the age of 70. His will is dated 
June 6, 1815, and probated March i, 1818. At the time of his death he lived in Lower 
Milford township, Bucks county. His two sors, John and Solomon, were his executors. 
The will mentions two pieces of real estate, a lot of 14 acres in Lower Milford, and one 
of 3 acres in Marlborough township, Montgomery county. The names of his surviving 
children given in the will, are Solomon, John, Daniel, Sarah, Margaret and Catharine. 
The wife's name was Margaret. After paying his debts and funeral expenses the residue 
of this estate was divided among his children, "share and share alike." As we have 
been unable to find the settlement of his estate, we are ignorant of its amount. 

♦ iSsS. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. I43 

those who played the leading parts. If we have succeeded in 
one, or both desires, we have accomplished our purpose. 

Of John Fries we have formed a more favorable opinion 
than we entertained when we commenced writing. We be- 
lieve him to have been an earnest and honest, but misguided 
man, who was moved to the course he took by what he con- 
sidered his duty. The conduct of Mr. Adams shows him to 
have been actuated by a sense of duty, as he understood it. 
and the pardon of the " insurgents" rescues his memory from 
some of the charges brought against him. He was, no doubt, 
influenced to some extent, by the high political excitement of 
the day, but he cannot justly be accused of cruelty in the 
share he had in the troubles of the period. All the actors 
in these scenes have long since passed beyond the bar of pub- 
lic opinion, and their acts should now be judged with fairness 
and candor from the standpoint of History, whose chiefest 
honor is impartiality. 

[the end.] 




fo^ 



APPENDIX. 



4 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

Upper and Lower Milford and Salisbury, in Northampton, 
now Lehigh county. There was much dissatisfaction with the 
tax law in the townships north and west of the Lehigh, yet I 
do not know of a single armed man that came to the rescue 
from any point north of the Lehigh river. 

" My impression has always been that if Colonel Nichols had 
not given up his prisoners, Bethlehem would have been burn- 
ed and razed to the ground. Such were the threats which in- 
duced Joseph Horsfield and others to prevail on the Marshal 
to yield." 




5^he I'Fiel Rebellion. 



••-^»*^*^*tf-^ 



Last Will ar\d Testamer\t of Jol\r\ Pries. 

In the name of God Amen, I, John Fries, of Lower Milford 
township, in the county of Bucks, State of Pennsylvania, Yeo- 
man, though reduced to a low state of bodily strength, yet be- 
ing of sound mind, memory and understanding, (blessed be 
Almighty God for the same) and considering the uncertainty 
of transitory life, think it necessary to dispose of those world- 
ly goods that God, in mercy, hath given me to enjoy, by this, 
my last will and testament, in a manner hereafter expressed, 
that is to say, first of all, I will that all my just debts and 
funeral expenses be well and truly paid by my executors, 
hereafter named, as soon after my decease as conveniently 
may be, and that as soon as possible a true inventory and ap- 
praisement may be taken of all my movables and effects, out- 
standing debts and further personal property, which said ef- 
fects and property together, with my real estate (except tho.sc 
goods taken by my wife) I do order and direct my executors 
to sell and dispose by public vendue, as quick as possible, 
after my decease, as may be convenient : 

Item: I give and bequeath unto my loving wife Margaret 
one bed and bedding, one chest, one table and such other 
goods as my executors may think necessary for her own use. 
I also give and bequeath to my said wife forty dollars yearly, 
during her natural life, which is to be paid to her by my ex- 
ecutors out of my estate yearly and every year as long as she- 
may live, and in case there should not be enough for he-r 

(5) 



6 THE FRIES REBELLION. 

maintainance, my will is that my said wife shall have as much 
of my estate as is necessary for her support. Item: I give 
and bequeath unto my grandson, Samuel, (a lad that now lives 
with me) the just and full sum of forty dollars gold and silver 
money, to be paid to a guardian (whom I shall hereafter ap- 
point) in one year after my departure. Item: I give and be- 
queath to my two other grandchildren, the heirs of my daugh- 
ter Catharine, deceased, (the late wife of George Gable) one 
share of my estate their mother would have become heir to, if 
she had been living) to be paid to their guardian (whom I 
shall appoint) at a convenient time for making the division of 
my estate. Item: I nominate and appoint my trusty friend, 
Jacob Loll, of Lower Milford township aforesaid, sole guar- 
dian of these three minor children above mentioned, whom I re- 
quest to receive the money as above willed and to put the 
same on interest in good safe hands, and to pay the said 
minors severally as they arrive to the age of twenty-one years. 
Item: I nominate and appoint my two sons, Solomon and 
John Fries, co-executors of this my last will and testament, 
giving them full power and absolute authority to sell and dis- 
pose of the lot whereon I live, situated in Lower Milford 
aforesaid, containing fourteen acres, (be the same more or 
less) with all the buildings and appurtenances thereunto belong- 
ing, or in any wise appertaining, and another lot, situ.ited in 
Marlborough township, Montgomery count}% containing three 
acres of land (be it more or less) giving them full power and 
absolute authority to make and execute good and firm titles, 
good and effective conveyances in law on the same unto such 
person, or persons that, may or shall purchase the same, and 
unto his or their heirs and assigns forever, as I myself might, 
or could, do were I living, and that as soon after my decease 
as m'ay be convenient, and the money arising from the said 
sales, as well as from my personal estate that may be remain- 
ing after my just debts are paid and legacies aforesaid. Itein : 
I give and bequeath unto my seven children, to wit, Solomon, 
John, Daniel, Elizabeth, Sarah, Margaret and Catharine, to be 
equally divided between them, share and share alike, but the 
share of my daughter Catharine, who has departed this life, is 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 7 

to be paid to her two children, or their guardian, as above di- 
rected. Finally, I do revoke, annul, and make void all former 
and other wills by me heretofore made or declared to be made, 
either by word of mouth or in writing, ratifying and 
confirming this only written, on both sides of this sheet 
of paper to be my last. In witness whereof, I have 
hereunto set my hand and seal the sixth day of June, in the 
year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen. 

(Signed) JOHN FRIES, [seal.] 

Signed, sealed and acknowledged by the testator, as his last 
will and testament, in the presence of us, the hereunto sub- 
scribed witnesses, who, at his request, have set our names, 
Morgan Custard, Wm. Getman, Bucks county, Pa., on the 9th 
day of March 1818. 

William Getman, one of the subscribing witnesses to the 
foregoing writing, purporting to be the last will and testa- 
ment of John Fries, deceased, appeared before me, and on this 
solemn af^rmation, taken and subscribed, did declare and say 
that he was present and saw John Fries, the testator, sign, 
seal and acknowledge the same to be his last will and 
testament, and that, at the time of his so doing, he was of 
sound mind and memory, and of deposing, understanding, as 
he, this afHrment believed, and, that at the same time, thisaf- 
firment saw Morgan Custard, the other subscribing witness, 
sign his name as a witness, at the request and in the presence 
of the testator, and further that the name William Getman 
above is of his, this affirment's own proper handwriting, and 
further saith not. William Getman, afifirmed and subscribed 
before me, day and date above. 

(Signed) JOHN PUGH, Register. 

Bucks County ss. Be it remembered, that on the 9th of 
March, 1818, the foregoing last will and testament of John 
Fries was duly proven, when letters testamentary thereof 
were granted unto Soloman Fries and John Fries, the ex- 
ecutors therein named, they having first been duly sworn, 
well and truly to administer the same. Witness my hand and 
seal of office. (Signed) JOHN PUGH, Register. 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



I I 



Adams, John, 3, 7, 29, 70, 71, 115; to 
Wolcott, 132, 12, 14, 17, 133, 137 ; Ac- 
tion Creditable, 138; Informs Him- 
self, 133; Acted on his Own Judgment, 
134 ; Adams' Administration of, 4, 11. 

Adams, Charles Francis, 132. 

Adams, Thomas, 134. 

Administration, 14. 

Advertiser, The Daily, 80, 92. 

Adler, Reading, 112. 

Allentown, Commissioners Meet at, 39; 
The Army Marches to, iii. 

Army, Continental, i, 10. 

Army, Federal, 82. 

Army, Review of, 108. 

Art man, Henry, 72. 

Artillery, U. S., 8'. 

Arrests Made, Number and Names, 104. 

Army Officer, Letter from, 139. 

Authorities, Federal, 55, 69, 72. 

Assessors, 3, 6, 17, 20; Assessors Give up 
Assessments, 35. 

Assessment Rates of, 3. 

Assessments, 16. 



Balliott, 21, 39; at Trexlertown Meeting, 

45- 
Balliott, Colonel, 48. 
Balliott, Mr., 59, 72. 
Barnett, William, 59, 61. 
Barnelt, John, 59. 
Barnett, William, 62. 
Baker, Dr., 68. 
Baynton, Adjutant-General Peter, 76, 77 ; 

Issues Order for Troops, 77. 
Bethlehem, Marshal Returned to, 48 ; 50, 

SI. 53. 54, 55- 
Bethlehem, South, 56, 57 
Bethlehem, 53, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 67, 

69, 72. 
Bridge, Lehigh, 6. 
Brunner, Margaret, 8. 
Brunner, David, 8. 
Brandywine, 53. 
Brown, General, 59. 
Bucks, 69, 72. 
Blues, Macpherson, 78. 
Bristol, Troops Ordered to, 78. 
Bucks County, Troops from, 77, 113. 
Bunker Hill, 03. 

c 

Camp Hill, 10. 

Cavalry, Troops, 76. 

Carlisle, 79. 

Cabinet, Changes in, 134. 

Campaign, Cost of, 140. 

Chase, Judge, Warrants Returnable to, 

47 ; Conduct of, 124 ; Addresses Fries, 

126, 133 
Chapman, Seth, 5. 
Chapman, James, 6, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 22, 

25, 26, 27 105 ; Sketch of, 106, 107. 
Charlestown, 9, 12, 15. 
Childs, Cephas, 6, 22, t6, 25, 26, 27, 28, 

2Pi 30, 31, 32, 33; Threatened by In- 



surgents, 34. 
Clark, Samuel, 6, 16, 17, tg, 25, 26, 22,68. 
Court, U. S., 20, 32. 
Cline, John, 57. 
Congress, 2 ; Act of, July 9, 1798, 3, 3, 4, 

15, 21, 27 ; Power to Lay Taxes, 83. 
Commissioners, 5, 6. 
Company, Captain Mosher's, 80. 
''ontingent, Northampton, 57. 
Constitution, The, 70. 
County, Bucks, 2, 5, 7, 8, 13, 16, 54, 67, 

73. 75. 76, 82. 
County, Northampton, 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 

34, 40, 48, 51, 54, 62, 69, 70, 72, 73, 75, 

75. 76, 77. §2, 113. 
County, Montgomery, 45, 8, 16, 26, 69, 73 ; 

Troops from, 77, 75, 76, 81, 82. 
County, Berks, 4, 5. 
County, Wayne, 5. 
County, Lehigh, 57. 
County, Luzerne, 5. 
County, Lancaster, 75. 
County, Cumberland, Cavalry Ordered 

from, 78. 
Contingent, Northampton, 61, 62. 
Colonies, American, g. 
Crooked Billet, 10. , 

Cortez, 97. 
Creek, Boggy, S, 9. 
Creek, Swamp, 97. 



Davidson, Samuel, 5. 

Davis, 68. 

Dallas, Alex. J., 117; Dallas' Defence of 
Fries, 121 ; Dallas' and Lewis,' State- 
ment of Fries' Case, 134 ; Wilhdr:>w, 

134- 
Demociacy, 2c. 
Delaware, The, 51, 53. 
DeKalbe, Baron, 53, 
Dixon, Mr., 60. 

Districts, German, Inhabitants of, 105. 
Dogs, Homer's Hero's, 97. 
Dunlap, Captain, 77. 



Easton, 42, 59. 

Eberhart, Sent to Philadelphia, 99. 

Edwards, Caleb, 9, 94. 

Edwards, William, g, 93. 

Edmonds, Mr., 13. 

Edwards, Jacob E., 3. 

Edwards, San^uel, g5. 

Elliott, Captain, 51. 

Emaus, 48, 66. 

English, The, 28. 

Erdman, Interpreter for Witnesses, iig. 

Europe, 2. 

Eyerley, Jacob, 5, 21, 42 ; Appointed 
Commissioners, Northampton, 38; Di- 
vides Township, 39 ; Explains the Law. 
43 ; Reads Petition, 44, 48, 59, 64, 65. 

Eyerley, Daniel, 51. 

Eyerman, Accompanies Marshal to Make 
Arrests, 48, 4g, sg ; Clergyman, 100. 



12 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



Federalists, 6i . 

Federalists, Anti, 6i. 

Foulke, IJverhard, 6, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28. 

Frantz, Zeno, 29. 

Foulke aud Rodrock, Messrs., 30. 

Foulke, 31, 32. 

Frailey, Colonel, 113. 

Foulke, Fverhard, 121. 

Fox, John, 6. 

France, 2, 26. 

French, 2. 

Fries, John, 2, 7, 8, 9 ; Children of, 9, 11, 12, 
13, 14, IS, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25^ 26, 27, 27, 28, 
29. 30. 31. 34, 3^, 54. 57. 62, 63 ; Captain, 64, 
64, 6s, 66, 67, 68, 71, 72 ; Military Called 
for, 75, 93 ; First Object of Capture, 93 ; 
Macpherson, Head of, 93 : Arrests of, 94 ; 
Two Accounts of Capture, 9s ; Fries' Dog, 
Account of, 96 ; Fxamination of, 98, 99 ; 
Sent to Philadelphia, 99 ; Betrayed by 
his Dog, 97 ; Trial of, 115 ; Indictment of 
116; Motion Argued, 118; Sitgreaves 
Opens Case, 119 : Names of Jurors, 119 ; 
Pleads Not Guilty, 119 ; Witnesses, 120 ; 
Confession of, read, 120 ; New Trial 
Granted to, 123 ; Sentence Imposed on, 
126 ; Letter to his Children, 127 ; 
Bible Presented to, 127 ; Verdict 
Againstr 122 ; Sympathy for, 127 ; 
Strong Feeling in Favor of, 129 ; Con- 
viction and Sentence of, 129 ; Movement 
for Pardon of, 129 ; Petition for Pardon, 
130; Pickering Favored Execution of, 133; 
Heaney and Getman, Pardon of, 136 : Par- 
don of. Engendered Bad Feeling aud En- 
tered Politics, 137; A Federalists, 139; 
Subsequent History of, 140 ; Recovers 
Cattle from British, 141 ; Release Well Re- 
ceived, 141 ; Death of, 142 ; Character of, 
143- 

Fries, Daniel, 8 ; 14, S7 ; Tried to Capture, 
97 ; Death of, 98, 142. 

Fries, Jacob, 22, 23, 27, 31. 

Fries, Solomon, 142. 



Galloway, Joseph, 8. 

Germans, 2, 28, 67. 

Gerry, Mr., 138. 

Getman, 7. 12, 13, 137, 138. 

Green, Richard, 30. 

Greenmeyer, m. 

Government, The, 20, 61. 

Governor, Message of the, 73 ; To Make 

due Inquiry, 74. 
Graber, James, 17. 
Grant, Thomas, Jr., s- 
Great Britain, 9. 
Griffith, Esquire, 32. 
Griffith, Mrs., 32. 

H 

Hager, Christian, 12. 

Hagersville, 12. 

Heaney, Frederick, 7, 12 ; Children of, 13, 

71, '37, 138- 
Heaney, George, 12. 
Heister, Colonel. 113. 
Heckewelder, 44. 
Heller, Meeting at House of, 42. 
Henry, William, 43. 
Henry, Judge, Attends Meeting at Hellers', 

43 ; Issued Subpoenas, 4s, 46, 59, 65. 
Henry, Capt. John, 79 ; Hamilton, Views of, 

133. 
Harper, Robert Goodloe, 92. 



Hartman, Herman, 51. 

Hartzell, Isaac, 61. 

Helmuth, Rev. Chas. Henry, Address of, 87. 

House-Tax, Insurgents Dam the, 33. 

House, Jacob Fries, 28. 

House, Sisters', 53. 

House, The Question Referred, 74. 

House, Spring, 81. 

Horsfield, Mr., 59, 64, 6s. 

Hotel, Eagle, 51. 

Home, Assessor, 39. 

Hoover's, John and Jacob, 31, 17, 18, 68. 



Iden, James C, Letter of, 41. 

Indians, Mohican, 53. 

Inhabitants, Distress of, no. 

Insurgents, The, 73 ; Persued by Troops, 

105 ; Arrested, 106. 
Insurrection, Western, 73, 134. 
Insurrection, Whiskey, i, 10 
Iredell, Judge, 115 ; Charge to Grand Jury, 

116, 118. 
Irvine, Captain, 79. 



Jamison, John, 31, 67, 68, 121. 
Janeway, Rev. Dr., 127. 
Jarrett, Captain, 55, 64, 68. 
Jenkinson, Isaac, s- 
Jury, Case Given to, 122. 
Jurors, Names of, 124. 



Kachline, John, 94. 

Karackerstown, Fourteen Surrender at, in. 

Kearne Mr. 40. 

Kennedy, Captain, 77. 

Klein, John, 15. 

Klein, Jacob, 19. 

Klitie George, 68. 

Kuyder, Capt , 16, 23, 29, 31. 



Lacey, Gen. John, 10. 

LaFayette, 53. 

Liberty, 21 ; Pole Cut Down, no ; War on, 

141. 
Laws, Alieti and Sedition, 3, 4, 36, 41, 138. 
Law, House Tax, 4. 
Lesher, Captain, 77. 
Leiper, Captain, 77, 113. 
Lancaster, Josepli R., 32. 
Lancaster, 79. 
Levering, Abraham, 65, 70. 
Legislature, The, 75. 
Lewistown, 18. 
Lee, Henry, 2. 
Lee's Division, 53. 
Lewis, Mr., 131. 
Light Horse, Lancaster, 112. 



Macpherson, General, 8 ; Brigadier-General, 
76 ; Designated to Command Troops, 77 ; 
Appointed Brigadier U. S. A., 78, 81 ; Ad- 
~ - - - . „- ^^ 

with 



dress of, 82 ; Forewarns People, 

dress of, 87 ; Probably Marched 

Cavalry, 92, 112, 113. 
Marks, Conrad, 30, 21, 34, 54, 57, 67, 68, 71 ; 

Surrendered, 108. 
Marks, John, 50 
Massachusetts, i. 
Marshal United States, so. 54, 58, 59, 60, 62, 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



13 



63, 64, 69, 70 ; Armed Force to be Sent 

With, 90. 
Meadow, Smith's, 97. 
iMilford, Upper and Lower, 26, 68, 17, 19, 22, 

54- 
Mifflin, Governor, 73, 76, 80. 
Montgomery, Captain, 77, 112, 113. 
Morrell, Captain, 77. 
Melbecke, Lieutenant, 108. 
Moravians, 51. 
Moore, Richard, 100. 
Mnlhallon, John, 61. 
Mitchell, George, 15, 17, 17, 19, 19,21, 71. 
Mill, Mathers', 8. 
Mill, Stover's, 12 
Mill, Hoover's, 20. 
Millarstown, 49, 54, 57, 61, 62, 72 ; Troops 

March for, 100 : Army Encamped at, 108. 
Michael, Nicholas, 41, 42. 
Military Force Called for, 73. 
Militia, Requisition from, 75. 
Mount Vernon, 3. 
McHenry, James, 76. 
McClerachan B., An Agitator, 138. 
Moretz, At Meeting, 44. 

N 

Nazareth, 48, 51. 

Nanticokes, 52. 

Nace, Enos, P., 97. 

Newtown, Troops Rendezvous at, 78 ; Troops 
reach, 79. 

New York, Troops Leave, 78 ; Troops 
March from, 79. 

New Jersey, Requisition for Malitia on, 80. 

Nichols, Colonel, 50, 64 ; Marshal Makes Ar- 
rests, 48, 70. 

Nitschman, David, 51. 

Northampton, Opposition to Law in, 38. 



Officers, Letters About, 95, 109. 
P 

Pardon, Recommendations for, 130 ; Proc- 
lamation of, 135 ; Cabinet Divided on, 136; 
Proclamation of, 136. 

Patriot, Boston, 138. 

Penrose, DanieL 31 ; Penrose, David, 93. 

Pennsylvania, i, 4, 5 ; The Slate of 99 ; The 
Governor of 73 ; The State of, 75. 

Peters, Judge, Deposition Sent to, 46 ; Ex- 
amine Witnesses, 46, 46. 

Peters, Judge, 54. 69, 72 ; John Fries Ex- 
amined Before, 98 ; Called as Witness, 120. 

Pheister, George L., 22. 

Philadelphia, 7, 18 ; The Marshal Leaves to 
Serve Subpoenas, 48, 59, 62, 64, 65, 72, 73 ; 
The Troops Leave, 8i, 81 ; Prisoners in 
Jail at, 113. 

Pickering, Timothy, 71 : Tlie Views of, 133. 

Politics, The Condition of, 36 ; The Influence 
of, 109. 

Porter, James M., Recollections of, 123. 

Posse, The Marshal's, 63, 64, 65. 

Pottery, Penrose's, 100. 

President, The, 3, 4 ; He Issues a Procla- 
mation, 69, 69. 

Proclamation, "The President, 72, 73. 

President, The and Cabinet, 4. 

Pulaski, Count, 53. 

Porter and Wharton, Captains, Search for 
Fries, 93. 



Quakertowu, 9, 13, 22, 23, 29, 30, 32 ; What 



Took Place, 33, 93, 97 ; Army Encamped 
at 100, 108 ; The Army Leaves, 108 ; 
Quincj', Mr. Adams at, 131. 



Rawle, William, 117. 

Rawle and Sitgreaves, 118. 

Rebellion, Fries, 2, 13 ; The a National Af- 
fair, 73, 75 : Fries, a Factor at Jefferson's 
Election, 137 ; Great Men at Bottom of, 138. 
Cost of, 140 : Shays', i ; Shays', 73. 

Revolution, The, i, 53. 

Reed, Collinson, 5. 

Railroad, The North Pennsylvania, 92. 

Reading, 5 ; Troops March to, iii ; Troops 
March from, 112 ; Outrage at, 112. 

Ritter, Martin, 55. 

River, Lehigh, 57, 61. 

Road, Ridge, 81 ; The Old Bethlehem, 91, 97, 

Roberts, Israel, 17, 20, 21, 71, 121. 

Roberts, Daniel, 68. 

Rodrock, John, 6, 16, 17, 22, 28, 31 33. 

Rodrock and Foulke, 32. 

Rodman, Lieutenant, W. M., 78. 

Roberts, Enoch, 35. 

Roths, Christian, 59, 61. 

Rocks, The, 100. 

s 



Savannah, 53. 

Sacket, Alfred, 18. 

Schmy.ser Michael, 5. 

Schaeffer, George, 44, 49. 

Schymer, John, 44 

Schlaiigh, Philip, 59, 65. 

Schlichter, Andrew, The Farm of, 92. 

Schneider, Jacob, 112. 

Sellersville, 13 : The Present, 92. 

Schneider, Jacob, 113. 

Sentinel, Bull Shot by, iii 

Shawnese, 52. 

Shankwyler, 49, 50, 72,60. 

Shays' Daniel, i. 

Shoemaker, Captain, 79. 

Shewell, Nathaniel, 107. 

Shiflfert, Andrew, 35. 

Sims, Captain, 77, 78. 

Singmaster, 18, 29, 30, 77. 

Sitgreaves, U. S. Attorney, 42 ; U. S. Dis- 
trict Attorney, Draws up Form of Warrant, 
46 : 126, 139. 

Smith, Peter, 29. 

Snyder, Mr., 48, 39. 

Spangenberg, Bishop, 32. 

Spring House, Headquarters at, 82. 

Store, Rufe's, 18. 

Staeler, Captain, 62 

Stephen, Adam, 31, 72. 

Spinnerstown, 17 ; 9. 

Sumneytown, 98. 

Swartz, Daniel. 



Tax, Direct, Passed, 3 : On What Laid, 83 ; 

Rates of, 84 ; Law, Unpopularity of, 37. 
Tavern, Rodrock's, 18. 

Tavern, Jacob Fries', 27, 23, 26, 27, 29, 123. 
Tavern, Enoch, Roberts, 29, 31. 
Tavern, Sellers', 30 ; Troops March from, 99, 

91. 
Tavern, Mitchell's, 27, 68, 71. 
The Spring House. 91. 
Tavern, Gennes, 33. 
Tavern, Gary's, 15. 
Tavern, Ritter's, 37, 60. 
Tavern, Conrad Marks', 62. 
Taylor, Captain, 77. 



H 



THE FRIES REBELLION. 



Tavern, The Sun, 58, 60, 62. 

Tanyard, Lester's, 97. 

Terror, System of, 102, 103. 

Trenton, Troops Reach, 79. 

Trail, Judg-e, 42. 

Treasury, Secretary of, 4, s, 21. 

Thomas William. 23. 

Thomas, Samuel, 97. 

Thomas, Edward, 97. 

Trexlertown, Meeting at, 45 ; Captain Jar- 

rett's Company at, 45. 
Trumbower, Chased by Soldiers, 94. 
Trumbauersville, 17, 22, 23, 26. 
Townsliip, Milford, 8, 7, 6, 12, 12, 14, 16, »5, 

29. 32, 67, 71. 
Township, Rockhill, 12, 13, 92. 
Township, Tinicum, 18. 
Township Richland, 6, 6, 97. 
Township, Hatfield, 8. 
Township, Plurastead, 6. 
Township, Plainfield, 12, 13. 
Township, Bushkill, 13. 
Township, Weisenburg, 40. 
Township, Lynn, 40. 
Township, Lehigh, 59 ; Twelve Arrested in, 

48. 
Township, Hamilton, 40, 41. 
Township, Upper Milford, 40 ; Meeting in, 

43- 
Township, Chestnut Hill, 39. 
Township, Moore, 40. 

Township, Penn, 40. 

Township, Low Hill, 40. 

Township, Heidelburg, 40. 

Troops, American, 53. 

Troops, Regular, Ordered Out, 78. 

Troops March, 80; Instructions for, 80; 
March for Quakertown, 99 ; March from 
Sellers' Tavern, 100 ; Alarmed, 106 ; Ex- 
cesses Committed by, 109 ; Their Presence 
Inspires Terror, 100. 



u 

United States, The, 26, 69, 70, 60, 71 ; The 
Laws of the, 61, 75, 82 ; The Seal of the 
71 ; Interest of the, 74 : The Officers of the, 
69 : The President of the, 70, 73, 82. 



Valley, Wyoming, 52. 
VanBuskirk, 49. 
Verdict Rendered, 125. 
Virginia, 3, 21. 

w 

Washington, 2, 3, 10; Mistaken Policy of, 

13 ; 53- 

Wells, Isaiah, 123. 

Whigs and Tories, 103. 

Wheeler, Israel, ?. 

Whiskey, 11. 

Witnesses Called, 121. 

Wiedner, Daniel, 26. 

Wiedner, 27. 

Winters, Cfiristopher, 59. 

Williams, Lieutenant, John, 80. 

Whitemarsh, 8, 10, 142. 

Wolcott, Oliver, 138 ; Favors Execution, 134. 

Woolstencraft, Lieutenant, 79. „«,a- 

Wood, Mr., 138 ; Fries' Observation to, 134. 

Wyker, Reuben L.. 18. 

Wyker, George, 18. 

Wyker, Nicholas, 18. 



Zellers,3o, 30. 
Zeigler, George I., 25, 26. 
Zantzenger, Paul 5. 
Zinzendorf, Count, 52, 53. 




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